His departure still leaves some holes. Lynch wasn't an every-down starter for the Broncos in training camp, coming off the field in passing situations, so he told coach Mike Shanahan he wanted to be released so he could look for a better situation. The Broncos granted that request.

Lynch's main value on the field to the Broncos was against the run. Denver is coming off a miserable season against the run, and Lynch had an injury-plagued season.

More than anything he would have done on the field, Lynch will be missed as a leader in the locker room. Lynch, along with linebacker Al Wilson, were the unquestioned leaders of the defense for Lynch's first three seasons. Then Wilson was released before last season, and Lynch is gone as well.

"You never find players like John Lynch from a leadership standpoint," Shanahan said. "They're one in a million. He's got everything you look for in a person, as a player."

--Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violation of the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from a series of off-field incidents, as Marshall has been arrested three times since being drafted in 2006. The suspension could be cut to two games if Marshall undergoes counseling. If suspended, Marshall can participate in training camp and preseason games, but would not be allowed to practice from Sept. 2 until after the team's Sept. 14 game against division-rival San Diego.

--Tackle Gary Zimmerman's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a source of pride for the Broncos. Zimmerman was adamant he was going into the Hall as a Bronco, even though he spent more seasons with Minnesota. The Broncos now claim two Hall of Famers, Zimmerman and John Elway.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Zimmerman's toughness set a tone for his teams. Zimmerman once was told at halftime of a game against the Raiders that he had to come out of the game because his shoulder was out of place.

"He said, 'I am not going out until No. 7 (Elway) goes out,'" Shanahan said. "With his shoulder out of his joint, he goes out and plays the entire second half. He wasn't coming out unless John was coming out. That gives an idea of his mental toughness."

--The Broncos rookies were thrilled to have a day and a half off after their first week of training camp. They survived the mental and physical stress intact, but needed a rest on their time off.

"Sleep, get a lot of sleep," rookie receiver Eddie Royal said about his plans during the short break. "I'm going to have the playbook in the bed, so I don't have to go anywhere."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I felt like I owed it to him to look at his options, football, retirement, whatever he wants to do." -- Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, on S John Lynch.