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It was a busy week for news around Denver Broncos wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton. It was first reported that the team would be waiving him, but at the last hour a trade partner emerged for Denver. However, by the end of the next day reports surfaced that Hamilton had suffered a season-ending ACL injury while working out on his own away from the team facility.
Per source, Imaging tests have confirmed DaeSean Hamilton suffered a torn ACL while working out on his own away from team facility as was the union’s request. Tough break for young WR who was on his way to a fresh start with a new team. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) May 15, 2021
The NFL and NFLPA have become embroiled in a heated controversy over how players should be allowed to train for the upcoming season. The NFLPA seems to take the stance of fewer organized team activities and allowing players to workout on their own however they see fit, but that isn’t what they negotiated for in the CBA.
In Denver, they have become ground zero in this fight. The team recently released right tackle Ja’Wuan James and will get out of his contract entire due to the Achilles injury James suffered happening outside of team facilities. There will be a legal fight there, but it surely seems as if Denver has every right under the current CBA to do what they did there.
The same now looks like it will happen to Hamilton. Without a trade partner, the Broncos can now move on from him in the much the same manner. The move will free up salary cap and Hamilton will be unable to find work while he recovers from this ACL tear. Not a good situation for either player to be in, but I think it is clear this is going to be a key component of the next CBA fight between the NFLPA and NFL.
The biggest loser out of this situation is clearly Hamilton. He was informed on Thursday he was being waived or traded either way, so this injury negates any chance for him to catch on with another team in 2021.