Denver Broncos Releasing Willis McGahee Was Right Move

By Michael Moraitis -- Featured Columnist

The Denver Broncos finally did what seemed like the inevitable and parted ways with veteran running back, Willis McGahee.

According to ESPN.com staff, the Broncos made the move on Thursday to release McGahee in what should  be a move to give some of the younger backs on the roster a shot this upcoming season--namely Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball.

In the report, McGahee acknowledges he understands that the Broncos are going younger and it makes perfect sense. Once a running back hits his 30's in the NFL, it normally means decline and McGahee is pushing retirement age at 32.

But what's more important in this situation is that the Broncos will rid themselves of the money McGahee was making for his oft-injured status last season.

While McGahee has been relatively healthy his entire career, he played in just 10 games last season and was unable to contribute in the playoffs as a result of his injuries. On top  of that, McGahee had to undergo serious knee surgery and that is a nightmare for a back his age.

Instead, the Broncos will go with their two younger backs in the hopes of getting more consistent play from their backfield. For fans that may be concerned about this move, that really shouldn't be the case at all.

With a scary passing attack and Peyton Manning at the helm behind center, both Hillman and Ball will have plenty of room to operate as opposing defenses focus on stopping Denver through the air. That will make it much easier for these two inexperienced backs to get their feet wet and become a major factor in this offense.

As for McGahee, he should be getting plenty of calls from teams around the league in need of a secondary back or maybe even more. It shouldn't be too long before we see him sign with another team as long as the price is right.

The relationship between McGahee and the Broncos was a pretty good one in most apects, but it made all the sense in the world for the Broncos to cut ties with the aging back and go in a new direction.