With roster cuts looming this weekend, every team in the NFL, including the Denver Broncos, has tough decisions to make regarding who to keep onboard and who to cut loose. Veterans are often included in the cuts to clear cap space when they don't have much guaranteed money remaining on their contracts, leading to a very high turnover rate in the league.

The latest victim of this cycle could be Broncos safety T.J. Ward.

Earlier this week, it was rumored that Ward was on the trade block, but according to Mike Klis of KUSA, Denver is also considering releasing Ward if they're unable to deal him else where.

Ward's $4.5 million, non-guaranteed contract is a big factor in this decision, according to Klis. That money would go directly back to the salary cap and could be used on extending guys like linebacker Todd Davis and kicker Brandon McManus.

Losing Ward's presence in the secondary would probably hurt too much if they didn't have somebody to replace him, but during Ward's absence this preseason with a hamstring issue, second-year safety Justin Simmons emerged as more than just a viable option to start at strong safety. Additionally, the Broncos have a couple other young players ready to make an impact.

From Klis:

Simmons and his 2016 draft classmate Will Parks are ready for more playing time. And the Broncos may also want to make room on their 53-man roster for another young defensive back, including undrafted rookie safety Jamal Carter, who is a larger version of Ward in the box.

We'll find out if the Broncos actually go through with cutting Ward if they're unable to trade him by the 4 p.m. EST deadline on Saturday.