The Denver Broncos are parting ways with veteran cornerback Levi Wallace, who has been a scapegoat this season.
Wallace signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Broncos during the 2024 offseason and will leave with more over $11 million in career earnings, according to Over The Cap. According to Pro Football Focus, he is currently having his best season since 2020 with the Buffalo Bills.
His performance against the Cleveland Browns on “Monday Night Football” proved otherwise.
According to PFF, Wallace surrendered six receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns on ten targets in Week 13, the majority of which went to former Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy.
Sean Payton, the Broncos’ head coach, hinted to Wallace’s possible return.
“It is never an easy decision,” Payton explained to reporters on December 24. “Hopefully we will see how it goes and get him back.”
Jeudy had the most receiving yards against his old team in NFL history, as well as the most at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Kris Abrams-Draine, a rookie fifth-round draft pick, replaced Wallace to finish the game.
Wallace was sidelined in Weeks 15 and 16 following his bye week, despite promising to perform better the next time out.
Broncos coach denied blame on Levi Wallace. “I take it all on myself,” Wallace told The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson in an interview published on December 12th. “I do not blame anyone else. I have had some really good games, and the one I just had was perhaps the worst I have played in the league. Absolutely. Wallace got the start against Cleveland in place of the injured Riley Moss. “I did not call a fantastic game unless he played a great game,” Joseph told reporters on December 12. “It always falls on me first, not the athlete. It is my job to make his job easier. I thought we made some good changes in the second half and came away with the win. For us, each game is the same. If we win, we are accurate. If we lose, we correct. We can not apologize for winning a football game. We will build on the good and rectify the negative. However, the former started 70 of his 83 career games with the Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2024 season. Vance Joseph, the Broncos defensive coordinator, covered for Wallace.
Kris Abrams-Draine Garners Praise From Broncos Coaches
Joseph has praised the rookie’s practice habits.
“When you draft these young players at certain positions, it takes more time for those guys to develop, to get ready to play for you. Obviously, corner is a position where if you’re not ready, it could be a bad deal for you,” Joseph said.
“He’s practiced well, he’s smart, he’s engaged in meetings, he’s ready to play you know he he competed well on Monday night so the more he plays the more he’ll improve.”
The rookie intercepted Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert on “Thursday Night Football.”
Payton said Abrams-Draine was a factor in the Broncos’ decision to cut Wallace.
