The Denver Broncos have cut ties with a key run defender who has started 25 games over the past two years.
The team released veteran defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson on Saturday.
Roster cuts tracker
NFL teams trimmed their rosters to 53 players on Saturday. Around The NFL reports on each team's moves. **READ**
Vickerson, 31, started alongside Terrance Knighton until a dislocated hip ended his season in late November. He was replaced by 2013 first-round draft pick Sylvester Williams, who is now entrenched as a starter.
The eight-year veteran's fate was sealed when former New York Giants' second-round draft pick Marvin Austin began turning heads in offseason and training-camp practices. The Broncos "love" Austin, who has been better than expected, confirms NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Vickerson is free to sign with any team in need of a rotational run-plugger.
The Broncos also waived safety Duke Ihenacho and rookie linebacker Shaquil Barrett. Ihenacho started 14 games last season, but was made expendable by the Broncos' offseason signing of T.J. Ward.
You can track all the cuts as NFL teams reduce their rosters to 53 right here.
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