Denver Broncos sign linebacker who was surprisingly cut by Packers

When the Green Bay Packers cut their roster down to 53 players, many were surprised to see linebacker Kristian Welch among the cuts. The Denver Broncos were likely surprised too and swooped in , signing him to their own 53-player roster.

Welch joins the Broncos as added depth at the inside linebacker spot, giving the team more of a veteran option. In a corresponding move, linebacker Levelle Bailey was waived.

Welch went undrafted out of Iowa in 2020 and played three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before spending the 2023 season in Green Bay. He's been used as a reserve linebacker and special teams player and that's what he will do in Denver. He has 27 career tackles.

It's hard to see Bailey go, especially after plays like this one in the preseason finale, but the Broncos will likely add him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Broncos had a good look at Kristian Welch in training camp

Many Broncos fans may be scratching their heads about this move, but the factor that likely contributed the most to this signing was the fact that the Broncos and Packers held some joint training camp practices before playing in the preseason.

Broncos coaches almost certainly saw something they liked in Welch and when his name was seen on the waiver wire, they made the move.

Welch joins Alex Singleton, Cody Barton and Justin Strnad as the inside linebackers on the roster.

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