DENVER — Pro Bowl safety John Lynch took a pay cut to remain with the Denver Broncos for a fifth season, passing on a chance to retire or test free agency.

Lynch was scheduled to make $2 million in 2008 and hesitated about returning to the team after he was asked to take a salary cut, the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News reported. Lynch was due a $1.12 million roster bonus March 4.

He reached a one-year deal after meeting with owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan.

A call to Lynch's agent was not immediately returned.

Lynch, who will turn 37 next season, had started to come off the field on passing downs last year, but played every snap in the last three games. In 2007, he missed one game with a groin injury and two more with a neck injury.

He finished last season with 62 tackles and one sack in 13 games. He also made his ninth Pro Bowl appearance and his fourth straight while a member of the Broncos.