Report: Talib prefers release over trade; Patriots are top choice

If the Denver Broncos choose to part ways with Aqib Talib, the five-time Pro Bowl cornerback would prefer to be released rather than traded so he can pick his next team, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.

If he becomes a free agent, Talib reportedly hopes to sign with the New England Patriots.

The 32-year-old has been rumored for weeks to be on his way out of Denver, which is looking to get younger and give itself more cap space ahead of free agency.

The Broncos were discussing a Talib trade with the San Francisco 49ers, but a deal hasn't gotten done and there's no indication that one will come to fruition, according to Russini.

Talib, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL over the past handful of years, played parts of two seasons in New England from 2012-13.