diff --git a/DRAMSys/simulator/src/simulation/TracePlayer.h b/DRAMSys/simulator/src/simulation/TracePlayer.h
index 45b3ddeb..a376a93a 100644
--- a/DRAMSys/simulator/src/simulation/TracePlayer.h
+++ b/DRAMSys/simulator/src/simulation/TracePlayer.h
@@ -159,10 +159,10 @@ void TracePlayer<BUSWIDTH>::peqCallback(tlm_generic_payload &payload, const tlm_
 //         }
 
         sendToTarget(payload, END_RESP, SC_ZERO_TIME);
+        payload.release();
     }
     else if (phase == END_RESP)
     {
-        payload.release();
     }
     else
     {