Broncos release Kareem Jackson after roster exemption expires،
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, who was suspended twice this season, ejected from two games and fined 89,670 for repeated unnecessary roughness rule violations this season, has been released Monday by the Broncos.
The Broncos faced a 4 p.m. ET deadline Monday to either add Jackson to the team's 53-man roster or release him. Multiple sources said Monday afternoon that the Broncos now hope to return Jackson to the team's practice squad if he clears waivers Tuesday.
The 35-year-old has started 69 games for the Broncos over the past five seasons, including eight this year. Jackson returned to practice last Wednesday after serving a four-game suspension on a roster exemption that ended Monday.
He was not activated in Sunday night's 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots. PJ Locke has started six of the Broncos' last seven games at safety Jackson and the team wants to keep him on defense.
Locke has three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in the last eight games he has played.
Coach Sean Payton, who had said “we'll see how we handle this” in recent days, when asked about Jackson's potential return to the team, and general manager George Paton spoke with Jackson several times last week . the team's decisions came as no surprise to the respected veteran and defensive captain.
It's been a tumultuous year on the court for Jackson. He has been suspended twice this season for a total of six games.
The four-game suspension was handed down by the NFL the day after the Broncos' victory against the Minnesota Vikings on November 19. Jackson's hit on Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs less than two minutes into that game was the infraction cited by the league in its suspension letter.
Jackson was not penalized on the play and played all 74 snaps for the defense that day. But it was Jackson's first game back after a two-game suspension – it had been reduced from four games – after he was ejected from the Broncos' win over the Green Bay Packers for a hit on the tight end of the Packers, Luke Musgrave.
In total, Jackson was ejected from those two games, lost $559,889 in salary for the four-game suspension, lost $279,000 for the two-game suspension, and was fined $89,670 for d other unnecessary roughness penalties.
Jackson has consistently said he wants “clarity” from the NFL on how certain games would be officiated and met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during his most recent suspension to discuss suspensions and Sanctions.
“I was told I was responsible for protecting offensive players,” Jackson said at a recent charity event for his foundation. So, I don't really know how I protect myself, how I play and how I protect them as well. And I’m not really sure what I’ll do as far as this game goes.”
