Report: Broncos to decline Russell Okung's contract option

Russell Okung is heading back to the free-agent market.

The Denver Broncos have informed the veteran tackle that they won't pick up the option on the contract he signed with them last offseason, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports.

Okung decided to negotiate his deal without the help of an agent when he moved on from the Seattle Seahawks. Though he ended up with a five-year, $53-million agreement that looked strong on the surface, the deal gave the Broncos enough flexibility that it amounted to little more than a one-year, prove-it contract.

It was always a long shot that Denver would bring back the 29-year-old, who was scheduled for cap hits between $11.7 million-$12.7 million over the next four seasons.

Given the lack of talent available at the position both in free agency and in this year's draft, though, Okung could emerge as a top option for another team in need of help up front.

Denver moves into the offseason with 2015 second-round pick Ty Sambrailo and veteran Donald Stephenson penciled in as the starting offensive tackles.