A couple weeks ago when I broke down the situation at safety I looked at Sam Brandon's return as a huge if in an already shaky safety group as a whole. Well, we now know that Brandon won't be part of the group or of the team at all. The Broncos informed Brandon and his agent that the team will release the former 4th round pick.
Word came out yesterday that Brandon had experienced a set back in his rehab from a knee injury suffered last season. As a result, Brandon will be forced to undergo microfracture surgery on the knee meaning he will miss the entire 2007 season. Brandon had already been suspended for the first two games on the season becuase of off-field conduct and this is the latest hit for Brandon who had worked his way into a factor at safety for the Broncos.
With Brandon soon to be released don't be surprised if the Broncos re-open talks with the Kansas City Chiefs about veteran Greg Wesley who would prefer to get out of town. While the Broncos do have some depth at safety there isn't much experience after starters John Lynch and Nick Ferguson. Ferguson, of course, is trying to return from a knee injury of his own, though not nearly as serious as Brandon's.
There is no animosity between Brandon and the Broncos, and the team has expressed interest in signing Brandon for the 2008 season after his recovery.
Under guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement, Brandon will receive an insurance payment. There will not be an injury settlement from the team.
