DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end Virgil Green #85 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Menelik Watson #75 after a third quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway bit the bullet on one of his worst free agent pickups as a GM, releasing Menelik Watson.

The Denver Broncos are reportedly moving on from 2017 free agent pickup Menelik Watson, who was expected to compete for a backup guard/tackle role in 2018.

Watson signed a contract worth $18.375 million over three years with $11 million guaranteed.

The Broncos paid below market value for a starting tackle in this case, but just one year in, realized it was a huge mistake even for the price they paid.

Mike Klis of 9News in Denver reported the news.

Broncos are parting ways with OL Menelik Watson even though he has $5.5 million salary guarante. Placing him on IR with release when he’s healthy. Credit John Elway for admitting mistake, cutting losses and putting roster quality above payroll budget. #9sports — Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 20, 2018

Just a few days ago, I listed Watson among the Broncos’ top trade candidates, but with his strained pectoral, no team was going to trade for him given they would absorb over $5 million to do so.

Now that he’s lasted just one season with the team, it’s safe to say that Watson is John Elway’s worst free agent acquisition as general manager, by far.

I put together a list of the top five in the offseason, and Watson ranked second based on the chance he still had to make an impact as a guard in year two.

Simply put, there was no place for Watson on the roster, as the Broncos have a number of players on the roster playing better football now than he has perhaps ever in his professional career.

Watching through the team’s preseason games, it’s clear that the offensive line has made some major strides this season and they also look really deep.

Even without Sam Jones in the preseason game against the Bears, the Broncos were able to put together a very solid looking second unit with Connor McGovern (the starting right guard) at center and Elijah Wilkinson at right guard.

Watson is still going to get paid by the Broncos, but this way, the team can move on and not worry about having to consume a roster spot with him.