The Facts: The Denver Broncos have released Graham, a nine-year veteran tight end.

Diehards Line:John Elway, the team’s chief football executive, praised Graham for his character, the leadership and play he brought the Broncos for four seasons. Graham was a 2002 first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots after a standout career at Colorado and joined the Broncos in 2007. Graham’s play slipped last season, when he had 18 catches for 148 yards but dropped a number of passes.