The Denver Broncos have made the decision to part ways with veteran cornerback Levi Wallace following a difficult performance on national television.
Wallace, who had joined the team during the 2024 offseason on a one-year, $1.1 million contract, leaves behind a solid career earnings record, surpassing $11 million.
Despite having his best season in recent memory, the cornerback’s performance on Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns proved costly, prompting the Broncos to make a tough roster decision.
Wallace had a challenging outing against the Browns, allowing six receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets, many of which were caught by former Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
The poor performance stood out as a low point in an otherwise solid season for Wallace, who had been performing at a high level since his time with the Buffalo Bills.
His struggles led to his being benched during the game, with rookie Kris Abrams-Draine stepping in for Wallace to finish the match.
Following the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed hope that Wallace might be brought back, but the writing seemed to be on the wall.
In the weeks following the loss to the Browns, Wallace was made inactive for both the Week 15 and Week 16 games, as the team focused on improving and giving younger players an opportunity.
Wallace acknowledged his disappointing performance, taking responsibility for his play and vowing to improve. However, the Broncos decided to move forward with fresh talent in the secondary.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph supported Wallace after the rough performance, stating that it was his responsibility to make things easier for the players, including Wallace.
Joseph also emphasized the need for adjustments and corrections following a win, as the Broncos looked to regroup and move forward.
Meanwhile, Abrams-Draine continued to show promise, impressing both coaches and teammates with his performances and practice habits.
His growth in a starting role during the later part of the season played a crucial role in the team’s decision to release Wallace.
Payton explained that the decision was influenced by the strong performances of younger players like Abrams-Draine, whose skills were becoming a valuable asset for the team’s future.
Roster management is always a delicate balance, especially as teams start to look ahead to the next season. With the Broncos aiming to develop their young talent, the decision to release Wallace ultimately came down to ensuring the team is well-positioned for future success.
While it’s never easy to part ways with a player of Wallace’s experience, the move was made in the interest of long-term growth for the Denver Broncos.
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