Safety TJ Ward signs with Buccaneers after Broncos release

UPDATE: It didn’t take long for T.J. Ward to find a new home after the Broncos released him on Saturday, as the veteran safety lands with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers.

First reported by the NFL Network’s James Palmer, Ward is said to be earning up to $5 million on a one-year deal with the team.

former #broncos safety T.J. Ward expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per source

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 3, 2017

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In a move that was both shocking and anticipated by many, the Denver Broncos have released veteran safety T.J. Ward.

The news of Ward’s release, first reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, comes just days after reports that the Broncos had not only received calls but also reached out to teams about possible trades involving the “No Fly Zone” member.

In a message posted to Twitter by the team, general manager John Elway thanked Ward for his contributions to the Broncos and wish him “nothing but the best in the future.”

“This was a difficult decision to part ways with T.J. after everything he’s done for our football team,” Elway said. “He was a respected teammate whose attitude and physical mindset played a big part in our success, especially during our Super Bowl run.”

Ward, who signed a four-year, $22.5 million deal with Denver in 2014, would have entered the final year of his contract in 2017.

In March, Denver 7 Broncos Insider Troy Renck reported that Elway said a contract extension for Ward is something the team “could look at.”

Earlier this week, Renck told “Stokley & Zach” that Ward “loves Denver” and wanted to be here, but he also understood the NFL is a business.

The move not only frees up cap space for the Broncos but also allows for Denver to feature safeties Justin Simmons and Will Parks more.

However, Renck cautioned against releasing Ward, whom he said is not just “a guy who starts at safety” but a key leader in a Super Bowl-caliber defense.

“… It would go over like dropping a stick of dynamite in the locker room,” Renck said.

Here’s a sampling of how players have reacted to the news on social media:

I’m going to miss @BossWard43 however @PhillyWill11 and @jsimms1119 I got y’all back let’s grow and eat together 💯

— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) September 2, 2017

Hate to see my brother @BossWard43 go. Huge part of our success as a defense. Don’t forget this is a business first.

— Derek Wolfe (@Derek_Wolfe95) September 2, 2017

Ik it’s a business for sure. Still can’t believe it tho

— Shaquil Barrett (@MOOCHIE048) September 2, 2017

😡😡 Ima miss my dawg @BossWard43

— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) September 2, 2017

Going to miss my Dawg! Irreplaceable Passion, Leadership, and just a DOG on the field!! I’ve… https://t.co/egH6tJ5oe5

— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh54) September 2, 2017

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.