Lynch splits from Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – John Lynch wasn’t content playing a part-time role, not after four straight Pro Bowl seasons.

The Denver Broncos couldn’t promise him the playing time he was seeking.

So Lynch and the Broncos agreed to amicably separate.

“He wants to play every down,” coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday. “Heck, I can’t blame him. I’m not going to say that he can’t.”

It’s just not going to be with Denver, where’s he’s spent the last four seasons.

Lynch was promised nothing more than an opportunity to compete for a starting safety job when he took a pay cut in the off-season. But with the emergence of Marlon McCree, Lynch didn’t see much time in the nickel or dime packages during the first week of training camp.

He tried to live with it, even accept his reduced role, and soon realized he couldn’t.

“I’ve always been one to follow my gut and follow my heart with decisions, and when I’ve done that things have worked out pretty darn good for me,” Lynch said.

Lynch, who’s entering his 16th season, is going to explore his options, possibly signing with another team if he deems it a good situation.

“I still have a great passion for the game of football,” Lynch said. “I still very much love it in my heart. I still feel like I can compete at a Pro Bowl level, but the situation is going to have to be right. I’m not going to just play for any team or any situation.”