ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Undrafted rookie Aaron Brewer acknowledges he was surprised to beat out 12-year veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion Lonie Paxton for the Denver Broncos’ long-snapping job.
Brewer was perfect on 18 snaps in the preseason and displayed his athleticism that allowed him to record 15 special teams tackles at San Diego State, including a-half dozen as a senior last year.
That’s one more than Paxton had in three seasons in Denver after former coach Josh McDaniels brought him along from New England in 2009 and signed him to a five-year, $5.53 million deal.
By releasing Paxton, the Broncos (No. 10 in the AP Pro32) saved nearly $1.3 million in salary cap space. Paxton was due the veteran’s minimum of $925,000 this season. Brewer will make $390,000.
