DENVER – The Denver Broncos will not exercise OLB Shane Ray’s fifth-year option for 2019, multiple sources tell Denver7.
The team's decision had been trending in that direction after the team took Bradley Chubb with the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. Ray will remain under contract this season before heading to free agency.
One thing clearly worked against Ray: the presence of Shaq Barrett. The team could attempt to secure him on a long-term deal for less money than Ray, who has shown potential but not enough to warrant a $9.3 million salary in his fifth season.
Not picking up the option on Ray does not preclude the Broncos from signing him again once he becomes a free agent, but makes it less likely.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
