Broncos release 2018 third-round pick RB Royce Freeman

The Denver Broncos made an expected transaction as they prepare their offense for new starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater ahead of the regular-season opener at the New York Giants on Sept. 12. 

On Wednesday, the Broncos announced they waived running back and 2018 third-round draft pick Royce Freeman. Freeman accumulated a total of 1,187 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground with 69 receptions for 409 yards and a single score across his three seasons with the Broncos.

According to ESPN stats, though, the 25-year-old finished the 2020 campaign a distant third on the team with a paltry 170 rushing yards on only 35 attempts. This past spring, Denver spent a second-round draft selection on North Carolina Tar Heels ball-carrier Javonte Williams, another sign that Freeman would be surplus to requirements before Week 1 later this month. 

In a secondary roster move, Denver also parted ways with defensive lineman Jonathan Harris. 

As Kevin Patra explained for the league's website, Freeman's ability to catch passes out of the backfield combined with his age should allow him to find a new NFL home sooner rather than later.