Report: Lynch has left Broncos

 ENGLEWOOD • Safety John Lynch left the Denver Broncos and will explore his options, according to a television report in Denver.

KCNC-TV, which has aired a television show Lynch hosts the past few years, said Lynch met with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan on Wednesday and the two sides decided to part ways.

"I'm going to explore all of my opportunities," Lynch told the Rocky Mountain News. "Is it retirement? Maybe. Is it playing for another team? Maybe."

Lynch, who will turn 37 on Sept. 25, played 11 seasons in Tampa Bay before coming to the Broncos in 2004. He played four seasons with Denver and made four Pro Bowls. This offseason he contemplated retirement but decided to play another season. However, he wasn't with the starting defense on a full-time basis in training camp. Marlon McCree replaced him when the Broncos used five defensive backs in a nickel package.

On the eve of training camp, Shanahan made it clear that Lynch wasn't guaranteed playing time.

"I think John knows that as you get older there are no promises," Shanahan said before training camp. "All you will do is talk to a player and share with them that you will give them an opportunity to start, an opportunity to do what he's done in the past, but there are no guarantees in this league, especially as you get older."

Lynch missed a team meeting Tuesday and was not at practice Wednesday. On Wednesday morning, Shanahan said Lynch was excused for "personal reasons." A Broncos spokesman said Wednesday night the team didn't have a comment.

Cornerback Domonique Foxworth said he hadn't talked to Lynch about his situation. He said if Lynch was frustrated, he didn't show it.

"He seemed in good spirits when he was here," Foxworth said.

McCree is the likely replacement for Lynch in the base defense. The Broncos signed veteran safeties McCree and Marquand Manuel this offseason, another sign that Lynch might see his playing time cut.

McCree dodged any questions about Lynch's situation, but said he was prepared for whatever role he was given.

"I'm happy with my position," McCree said. "Whatever the coaches feel my position on this team needs to be, that's what I am more than willing to do."

McCree called Lynch a Hall-of-Famer and a "class-act guy." McCree said he respected the longtime veteran, who ranks second among safeties in NFL history with nine Pro Bowl selections.

"If it wasn't for John Lynch, safeties wouldn't be making the kind of money safeties are making nowadays," McCree said.

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