Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that the initial 53-man roster and practice squad would see some tinkering here and there ahead of Week 1. After another busy day of practice and breaking ground on their new-look team facility on Thursday, the Broncos made a personnel move later in the afternoon.
Denver Broncos add former Packers linebacker Kristian Welch
Just two days after making the 53-man roster, undrafted rookie free agent Levelle Bailey, who had an impressive preseason and training camp campaign, was waived on Thursday following practice. Bailey was spotted initially during the team’s media viewing portion of practice.
After waiving Bailey, the Broncos signed former Green Bay Packers linebacker and special teams ace Kristian Welch to their 53-man roster, as first reported by 9News’ Mike Klis. Denver has one spot remaining on their practice squad roster that could allow Bailey to return if he clears waivers. Klis also reported that Denver had an interest in bringing back inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, but he appears to be dealing with an injury that might delay that from happening in the meantime.
Welch is a fifth-year player who spent 2023 as a member of the Packers and was also on their training camp roster, where Denver had a chance to see him as well during joint practices. In 2023, Welch didn’t play a single defensive snap for Green Bay but saw 210 (60%) snaps on special teams in 14 games. He previously spent his first three years in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 43 games, primarily on special teams.
As it currently stands, Welch projects to have primarily a special teams role with the Broncos, as opposed to any type of rotational role on defense. Depth or injuries could play a factor in that potentially changing, but the idea for him is to help in Denver’s third phase of the game.
The Denver Broncos are off until Monday as they prepare for their Week 1 regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
