Britton Colquitt Released by Broncos: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Denver Broncos have released punter Britton Colquitt after six years with the organization, per Troy Renck of Denver7. 

Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post previously reported the veteran had been asked to take a pay cut, although Mike Klis of 9News provided further explanation for the decision:

Colquitt has played every game with the team since 2010, contributing to the Super Bowl title last season.

Unfortunately, the 31-year-old punter's skills have deteriorated over the past couple of years. His yards per punt have dropped in each of the last four years, and he ranked just 21st in the NFL last season with a 39.7 net average. He also ranked just 23rd in the league in punts downed inside the 20 despite having the eighth-most attempts.

Denver responded to this decline in the offseason by drafting Riley Dixon in the seventh round out of Syracuse, creating a punter competition throughout training camp.

"They’re obviously two different guys," head coach Gary Kubiak said in August, per Nick Groke of the Denver Post. "One is the veteran who had a tremendous season last year, especially late in the year. The other one is a young, very talented kid with a big leg. It’s going to be very competitive. We knew that."

Dixon seemed to win the job when he handled all the punting and holding duties in the team's third preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Money also played a role in the decision as the rookie is set to make $530,008 over the course of the season, according to Klis. Colquitt had one year and $3.25 million remaining on his contract.

Colquitt comes from a punting family. His father, Craig, and brother, Dustin, have both put together extended careers in the NFL. Depending on salary demands, the veteran should have an opportunity to find a new home before the 2016 season begins.