Report: Broncos shopping Talib; Patriots, 49ers in talks

The Denver Broncos are actively shopping five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib, a source told Mike Klis of 9News.

Talib, who is set to have a $12-million cap hit in 2018, would reportedly prefer being released over a trade so that he could choose his next destination, viewing the New England Patriots as his top team. Talib played two seasons for the Patriots prior to signing with Denver in 2014.

The Broncos have engaged in talks with several teams, including the Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers, with hopes of dealing the 32-year-old defender by next Wednesday's start of free agency.

Talib looks to sign a new contract with his next club as he enters his 12th season, with upcoming cap hits of $12 million and $8 million over the next two years and only $1 million guaranteed remaining on his current deal.