Reports: Broncos won't pick up LB Ray's option

The Denver Broncos will not pick up the fifth-year option of linebacker Shane Ray, who was their first-round draft choice (No. 23 overall) out of Missouri in 2015, according to multiple media reports.

Brought in to eventually replace DeMarcus Ware, Ray collected four sacks as a rookie and eight in 2016, including three in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, he had only one sack last season as he battled a wrist injury and played in only eight games.

Ray, who will be 25 this month, finds himself behind All-Pro Von Miller and promising Shaq Barrett. The Broncos also used the fifth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft last week to select pass-rushing specialist Bradley Chubb of North Carolina State.

The Broncos weren't willing to guarantee Ray $9.3 million for 2019, and could let him become a free agent after this season.