The Broncos have made their first two roster moves of the week. Dozens more are on the way.
Denver released defensive lineman Zach Kerr and outside linebacker Dekoda Watson, the team announced Monday. Kerr was viewed as a potential roster bubble player but Watson was a surprise cut.
The emergence of undrafted rookie Malik Reed and the selection of Justin Hollins in the fifth round of April’s draft seemingly made Watson expendable on defense, though his veteran presence may be missed on special teams.
The Broncos traded a fifth-round pick to the 49ers during the draft earlier this year in exchange for a sixth-round pick and Watson, 31.
On the defensive line, DeMarcus Walker and Mike Purcell have made strong cases to make the team this summer and Denver is not going to cut third-round draft choice Dre’Mont Jones. That left Kerr, 28, as the odd man out.
These two cuts saved the team about $3 million in salary cap space, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. With inside linebacker Todd Davis (calf) in danger of missing Week 1, the Broncos may use their new cap space to bring in another inside linebacker.
