Broncos dump safety John Lynch

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 31 (UPI) -- John Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowl safety, is a man without a team after being released by the Denver Broncos.

The former Stanford product was set to start his 16th NFL season, but the Rocky Mountain News reported Wednesday that after being told he would have a chance to compete for a starting job, he saw limited playing time in training camp behind Marlon McCree in passing situations.

"It's been a real tough last 48 hours coming to this decision in my heart," Lynch told reporters on Thursday while leaving the Broncos' training camp at Englewood, Colo. "I'm going to explore all my options. (Coach) Mike (Shanahan) has allowed me to do that. What are those options? Those options are to continue playing someplace else. I still have a great passion for the game (and) I feel like I'm in great shape."

Known for his hard-hitting style, Lynch recorded 59 tackles in 2007 for Denver, where he has played the last four seasons.