Linebacker signed with Broncos after dominating them in preseason

When the Denver Broncos faced the Green Bay Packers in their second preseason game last month, Packers linebacker Kristian Welch totaled six tackles (including one behind the line of scrimmage), one pass breakup and one interception. He also played well in a joint practice against Denver.

After Welch failed to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster last week, the Broncos signed him. Welch’s performance against Denver wasn’t the only factor that led to his signing, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

“We still felt like inside linebacker was an area of need for us,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said Monday. “We went into kind of the final 53 cut down looking at that position. He was someone that stood out on film. Obviously, we had practice tape together with him, but more importantly, just the body of work for that player.”

Welch (6-3, 240 pounds) spent three years with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Packers in 2023. The 26-year-old linebacker has been used primarily on special teams to this point in his career. After adding Welch, Denver’s 53-man roster for Week 1 is set.