The Denver Broncos signed inside linebacker Kristian Welch to their 53-man roster on Thursday, the team announced.
To make room for Welch, Denver waived undrafted rookie linebacker Levelle Bailey. If he clears waivers, Bailey will presumably be a candidate to re-sign on the practice squad tomorrow (there’s one open spot remaining).
As for Welch, he is a fourth-year linebacker who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2020. After spending the first three years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, Welch joined the Green Bay Packers last summer, initially on their practice squad.
Welch was later promoted to Green Bay’s active roster and he dressed for 14 games last fall, totaling six tackles. He has 27 career tackles in four seasons (57 games) in the NFL. Welch was likely signed primarily to contribute on special teams, where he has 1,101 career snaps.
Welch becomes the fourth inside linebacker on the 53-man roster, joining Alex Singleton, Cody Barton and Justin Strnad.