The Broncos have waived center Gino Gradkowski, according to Mike Klis of 9 News (Twitter link). Because he’s not a vested veteran, Gradkowski will need to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent.
Denver acquired the 26-year-old Gradkowski in a trade with Baltimore earlier this year — the Broncos sent a fourth-round pick to the Ravens in exchange for Gradkowski and a fifth-rounder. Due in part to his familiarity with new Denver head coach Gary Kubiak‘s scheme, Gradkowski was expected to take compete for the starting center job, but he was overtaken in camp by second-year pro Matt Paradis.
A Delaware product, Gradkowski has appeared in 40 games during the course of his three-year career, and was a full-time starter for the Ravens during the 2013 season. He wasn’t very productive that year, grading as the worst center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Gradkowski was schedule to earn a non-guaranteed $1.542MM in the final year of his rookie deal, meaning the Broncos will save that amount against their cap.