The Denver Broncos are evaluating free-agent safeties Nico Bolden and Jonathan Sutherland as potential additions to their roster, according to reports from beat reporter Parker Gabriel. The team held workouts with the players on Monday.
Nico Bolden, who was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, previously competed in the United Football League with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he recorded 11 tackles and one blocked kick in six appearances. At 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, Bolden is known for his abilities as a strong safety, having played college football at New Mexico and Kent State. According to his scouting report from Pro Football Network, Bolden is “an elite run-stopper” who racked up 188 tackles over two seasons and also shows promise on special teams.
Jonathan Sutherland, another player who went undrafted in 2023, spent most of his first professional season on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad before being released last week. He played his college football at Penn State.
The Broncos’ interest in bolstering their defensive backfield arises partially due to an injury to starting safety Brandon Jones, who sustained a hamstring injury during a training camp session last Friday. Broncos head coach Sean Payton indicated that Jones is likely to miss a couple of weeks as he recuperates. In the meantime, the Broncos have also activated safety Caden Sterns from the Physically Unable to Perform list following a knee issue, though he is currently only participating in limited activities such as walkthroughs and individual drills.
Depth at the safety position also includes PJ Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell, JL Skinner, Devon Key, Omar Brown, and Keidron Smith, who are listed behind Jones and Sterns.