The Denver Broncos announced a curiously-timed transaction Monday, promoting inside linebacker Ben Niemann from the practice squad to the active roster.
"Curious," as the move came less than 24 hours before the NFL trade deadline and amid the Broncos' bye week, furthering speculation that starting ILB Josey Jewell is on the verge of being dealt.
Which purportedly isn't the case. Per 9NEWS' Mike Klis, Denver elevated Niemann — who takes the spot of wide receiver Brandon Johnson (injured reserve) — because another club was attempting to sign him to their 53.
"So Josey Jewell fans can relax," Klis added.
Niemann, 28, joined the Broncos in September and has appeared in one game this year, logging 17 special-teams snaps. The former undrafted free agent spent his first four seasons in Kansas City and the 2022 campaign with the Arizona Cardinals, playing under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Altogether, Niemann has compiled 148 career solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, three pass deflections, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
“He makes his plays when they come to him, he’s a very clear communicator,” Joseph said of Niemann last November, via USA Today's Cardinals Wire. “He’s pretty good in coverage, too.”
With his promotion, Niemann is the fourth off-ball linebacker to land on Denver's roster, which also includes Jewell, Alex Singleton, Drew Sanders, and Justin Strnad.
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