The Denver Broncos released quarterback Ben DiNucci weeks after signing Zach Wilson and Bo Nix.
DiNucci, 27, joined the Broncos last year after impressing at their rookie minicamp, following a successful stint with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons. DiNucci re-signed with the practice squad after being waived for the first time prior to the season as the team reduced its active roster.
Then, following the regular season, he signed a reserve/future deal, only to be released four months later. The player has previously appeared in three games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 after being drafted in the seventh round as a backup to Andy Dalton.
DiNucci’s exit comes after he appeared to be destined to play a similar position in Denver, where he and Jarrett Stidham were the only two quarterbacks remaining on the roster when Russell Wilson left. However, since then, the Broncos’ quarterback options have doubled.
Wilson was the first new face in the quarterback room, joining from the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft, as well as a seventh-round selection. Then, during the selection in Detroit, Denver selected Nix with the 12th overall pick.
The Oregon graduate became the sixth quarterback to be selected in the first round, equaling the previous record. The Broncos have yet to sign Nix, but they are preparing for it by releasing DiNucci.
This move follows the team’s decision not to exercise Wilson’s fifth-year option, allowing him to enter free agency next spring after being selected second in the 2021 draft. DiNucci’s departure coincides with the team’s rookie minicamp, which marks Nix’s first practice sessions with the group.
The suddenly free agent took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to acknowledge his release on Wednesday, saying, “I have been released by the Broncos. It’s all part of the adventure!! “I’m excited for what’s to come,” he remarked.
Denver’s starting quarterback job is up for grabs, according to head coach Sean Payton, who has stated that it is a three-way fight. “So [Hall of Famer] Bill [Parcells] taught me a long time ago — just let them play,” Payton told reporters after the draft.
“We have to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop, and that stuff will sort itself out.” He also said, “These guys are all going to compete.”
With the rookie minicamp beginning on May 10, Nix will have a head start on the competition, hoping to impress both the coaching staff and the fans. Wilson, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to press his claim during the forthcoming non-mandatory OTA exercises, which are scheduled for later this month and into early June.
Stidham, on the other hand, has a season of familiarity with the offence thanks to his daily drill sessions with Payton.
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