James cut by Broncos after off-site injury, reportedly considering grievance
The Denver Broncos released right tackle Ja'Wuan James, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post.
James tore his Achilles while training away from the team facility in early May.
Broncos players were among the NFL's first to opt out of voluntary offseason workouts due to COVID-19 concerns. The NFLPA has continued to advise players not to attend voluntary practices.
James was scheduled to make $10 million in base salary for the 2021 season. However, contracts aren't guaranteed for injuries suffered away from the team.
The veteran offensive lineman is strongly considering filing a grievance through the players association over his potentially lost wages, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Denver placed James on the non-football injury list before releasing him and has flexibility to void guarantees based on the injury occurring away from team, though it has the option to pay him something on the way out, too. Either way, a battle likely brewing.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 15, 2021
James signed a four-year, $51-million deal with the Broncos in 2019, then a record for right tackles.
The 28-year-old called for the NFLPA to support him through this situation.
@NFLPA if your gonna advise all of us we need you to have our backs on the other end of this. https://t.co/TCwxSJqfms
— Ja'Wuan James (@JawuanJames70) May 14, 2021
Denver signed Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming as potential replacements for James.