DENVER -- The Denver Broncos cut starters Chester McGlockton, Kavika Pittman and Denard Walker and four other players Tuesday as the team trims payroll before the free-agent signing period.

	Walker

Denver also released guard Lennie Friedman, tackle Blake Brockermeyer, cornerback Jimmy Spencer and defensive end Keith Washington. The Broncos tendered offers to restricted free agent receiver Chris Cole, running back Reuben Droughns and quarterback Jarious Jackson.

The Broncos were about $20 million over the salary cap heading into the free agency period, which begins Friday. Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said Tuesday's moves should clear about two-thirds of that amount.

The purge created approximately $12.2 million in salary cap space, with McGlockton providing the biggest savings, at $5.95 million. The releases of Pittman ($1.5 million), Walker ($1.367 million) and Friedman ($1.071) million each saved Denver over $1 million.

"It was difficult, but you get to a point where you have to make decisions that, in the broad perspective, are what is best for the team,'' Sundquist said. "Given what the salary cap situation was, we decided to bite the bullet and just do it.''

McGlockton, a defensive tackle, played two seasons with the Broncos and started 15 games last season, but he was due $4 million in 2003. He led the defensive line with 63 tackles and had 2.5 sacks.

Walker started every game at cornerback last season but was due to receive a $2 million bonus Friday.

Pittman, who started 15 games at defensive tackle, was due $2.75 million next season and Friedman would have made $1.5 million. Brockermeyer was to receive $655,000 and Washington $761,000.

Spencer hoped to become a player-coach next season after being named assistant defensive backs coach Feb. 7, but the Broncos opted not to pay his $755,000 salary next season.

Sundquist said releasing Walker and Spencer will allow the Broncos to get a better look at players like Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls, who played sparingly last season.

"It was difficult, but it was also a situation where we've got young talent that we've been wanting to move into certain situations and roles,'' Sundquist said. "We felt like we needed to give these young guys a shot.''

The Broncos are negotiating to rework the contract of receiver Ed McCaffrey, who is scheduled to make $4.14 million next season. Sundquist said the two sides are closer, but no deal has been reached.

Running back Terrell Davis, who is contemplating a comeback on his battered knees, could also get a reworked deal and quarterback Brian Griese is expected to be released after June 1.

The Broncos have expressed interest in signing Arizona quarterback Jake Plummer and are expected to go after a defensive end to play opposite Trevor Pryce.

ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.