The Broncos have rescinded their contract tender to Ryan McBean, a move that releases the team’s defensive tackle to free agency.

Technically, the Broncos did not release McBean because he had not yet signed the restricted free-agent tender of $1.3 million he received from the team in March. Absent McBean’s signature, he technically was not under contract.

McBean started 21 games the past three seasons for the Broncos. He had a career-high four sacks last year.

However, the NFL recently slapped McBean and outside linebacker D.J. Williams with a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancement policy. McBean and Williams dispute the finding and have sued the league in a Denver District Court.

McBean apparently became expendable after the Broncos brought back veteran defensive tackle Justin Bannan last week.