Last week, the Denver Broncos made the surprise decision to release Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward as part of the final roster cuts ahead of the 2017 season.

It is something that Ward believes could have been handled in a better manner given the unexpectedness of the move, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.

“I just think they handled it completely unprofessional,” said Ward, who had been among the Broncos' final roster cuts. “They could have let me know that was going on. You had a full offseason, ya know? I know it's a business, but when you have good employees, you're supposed to treat your employees a certain way.”

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In his three seasons with the Broncos, he had ingrained himself as one of the critical pieces of their stout defense in the secondary. He earned two of his three Pro Bowl selections in Denver while helping the team win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.

However, Ward was set to enter the final year of his four-year, $22.5 million deal with the Broncos, which likely made him dispensable along with the play of 2016 draft picks Justin Simmons and Will Parks. This is often the case in professional sports when moves aren't handled properly despite the contributions put forth.

The 30-year-old will have the opportunity to become a key defensive piece for the Tampa Buccaneers as one of the veteran leaders and dependable assets in the secondary this upcoming season.