Denver Broncos could cut All-Pro cornerback Aqib Talib

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Professional football players would rather think about cutting cake than being cut on their birthday.

But that was the talk Monday, as Aqib Talib turned 31-years-old. The Denver Broncos' All-Pro cornerback is coming off of a season when he had three interceptions and 32 tackles in 13 games. But the biggest number for the Broncos will be his $11 million salary in 2017 and 2018. Talib has also been involved in questionable off-field activity throughout his career.

"Talib is an instinctive playmaker who is still playing at the level of an elite cornerback, but Denver must decide if his play is worth $11 million next season," Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel wrote recently.

With four Broncos defensive backs booked for more than $32 million in salary next season, one could be the odd man out.

Last month, Talib's lawyer confirmed a report that his client shot himself in the leg in June 5 at a nightclub or nearby park in Dallas, according to 9News Denver.

The NFL is still reviewing the matter. Police never charged Talib for the incident, but he could still find himself in violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. If he is found guilty of the latter, he could face a suspension. The bullet from the incident went through Talib's calf.

Talib was rumored in trade talk in September, according to ESPN. Other sources disputed that report. The four-time Pro Bowl selection returned to practice in August after landing on the non-football injury list because of his injured leg.

Talib was the No. 20 selection in the 2008 NFL draft. He won a Super Bowl with the 2015 Broncos.

He was also suspended for one game in 2015 after violating the NFL's player safety rules by "forcefully poking an opponent in the eye." Talib was suspended in 2012 for four games after violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

And that's not even all of the less-than-desirable off-field activity Talib has produced.

The all-world defender was arrested in 2009 in Florida and charged with resisting arrest after assaulting a taxi driver, according to the Denver Post. He was suspended for one game following that incident. He was later indicted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2011 during a domestic dispute, but those charges were dismissed.

All of that could factor in to the Broncos' decision.

The team hired former defensive backs coach Vance Joseph last month to be its new head coach, following the resignation of Gary Kubiak.

Talib ranked No. 18 on Pro Football Focus' Top 101 players list from the last season, when he did not allow a single touchdown pass.