Broncos explain decision to cut linebacker Dre Greenlaw

After re-signing both  Alex Singleton  and  Justin Strnad during NFL free agency, the  Denver Broncos  released veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw in a move that saved more than $8 million in salary cap space.

Speaking at the NFL's annual league meeting in Arizona earlier this week, Broncos general manager George Paton met with media members for the first time since Greenlaw's release. He had a simple explanation for the decision.

"Singleton and Strnad are really good players," Paton said. "And Dre, we couldn’t keep the three of them. Dre helped us win a bunch of games and he helped our culture. We wish him the best, but we are really happy to have Strnad and Singleton.”

It didn't take long for Greenlaw to land on his feet. He quickly returned to the San Francisco 49ers , where he spent the first six years of his career. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he was " very excited " to have the linebacker return.

In the end, Denver kept its two favorite linebackers and saved salary cap space while Greenlaw got to return to a team that coveted him and has plenty of familiarity. It seemingly worked out well for everyone.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Broncos explain decision to cut Dre Greenlaw