The Denver Broncos announced today that they were making a roster change at the all-important linebacker position.
Nebraska alum and ex UFL outside linebacker, Garrett Nelson, will take the place of former Missouri linebacker and undrafted rookie, Johnny Walker, who is dealing with an injury.
No sign of #Broncos rookie OLB Que Robinson at camp today, didnât practice yesterday. Rookie OLB Johnny Walker Jr. also not at practice, dealing with injury
â Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) July 31, 2025
Walker, in a corresponding move – will go to the injured reserve, will move to injured reserve – per Broncos reporter Mike Klis of 9 News.
Broncos have signed OLB Garrett Nelson and will presumably take OLB Johnny Walkerâs place on roster. Nelson is wearing Walkerâs no 59.
â MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) July 31, 2025
Walker Jr. had greatest signing bonus ($20k) and guarantee ($254k) among Broncos undrafted rookies this year. He has lower body injury and is going on IR. https://t.co/3yB5GYc57W
â MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) July 31, 2025
Broncos UDFA Linebacker Heads To IR
Per Klis’ report, it is clear that the Broncos had a great affinity for Walker, having given him the biggest contract guarantees and signing bonuses of any other UDFA.
And whilst un-drafted free agents rarely make the roster in their rookie year, let alone have a meaningful impact in regular season games, Denver will consider this to be yet another blow for a Broncos team that has lost now three linebackers over the past week to injury.
Walker logged 4 college appearances during his time at Mizzou, the majority of which (26) came in his final two seasons. Statistically, his final year in the SEC was by far his best, obtaining 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
What Does Garrett Nelson Bring To The Broncos?
For the past two years, Nelson has played in the UFL for the San Antonio Brahmas, amassing 2.5 sacks and 24 tackles in 17 appearances, after spending four years playing for the university of Nebraska.
There he played in 43 games, starting 32, and managed 12 career sacks for the Cornhuskers.
Nelson originally was signed to the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent, following the 2023 NFL Draft. He was subsequently cut, and then made his way onto the Cincinnati Bengals‘ practice squad.
After failing to make an impact in Cincinnati, he signed with the Brahmas, for whom he played in the springs of both 2024 and 2025.
He will not be expected to do a vast amount as a free agent signing from the spring league, but he does add additional depth at outside linebacker – and acts as a direct replacement for Walker positionally.
Unfortunately for Nelson, OLB is one area where the Broncos are already stacked, having Nik Bonitto; Jonathan Cooper, Jonah Ellis, Dondrea Tillman – all of whom can play; alongside rookie fourth round pick, Que Robinson.
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