Broncos releasing WR DaeSean Hamilton after no trade emerges

The Denver Broncos wanted to trade wide receiver and 2018 draft selection DaeSean Hamilton ahead of or during this year's draft. No buyer emerged, however, and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday afternoon the Broncos are parting ways with the 26-year-old set to be on the final year of his rookie contract. 

Reports surfaced roughly one month ago that Denver had deemed Hamilton surplus to requirements with Courtland Sutton working to return from a torn ACL, Jerry Jeudy likely to eat up targets in the team's 2021 offense, and others filling-in gaps. 

Hamilton tallied 23 receptions for 293 yards and only two touchdowns in 16 games and two starts during the 2020 campaign. Since the beginning of the 2018 season, he's appeared in 46 of 48 contests and recorded 81 catches for 833 yards and five scores. 

This transaction is likely best for all parties. Denver was neither extending Hamilton nor giving him any real chance to audition for other clubs in upcoming meaningful games with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock set to compete for QB1 honors this summer, and the extra time lets an interested party take a flier on a project who may still have some upside.