Linebacker D.J. Williams was released by the Denver Broncos.

Williams, 32, had a base salary of $6 million and a salary cap figure of $8.08 million for 2013.

The move goes beyond cap savings. Williams became a role player last season and there were clear signs that he slowed down.

Williams has also had off-the-field issues that might make him less attractive to other NFL teams in free agency.

Williams still counts about $2.1 million against the Broncos' salary cap in 2013.

He was a first-round pick (17th overall) in 2004 out of Miami (Fla.).