Broncos begin roster cleanup in order to sign draft picks

On Wednesday afternoon, the Denver Broncos released backup center James Ferentz, as first reported by Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. Ferentz signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and spent his rookie season on Houston’s practice squad. Denver claimed Ferentz off waivers in September 2015, and he appeared in 21 total games for the Broncos in the last two seasons as the team’s backup center.

Ferentz played college football at the University of Iowa, starting 38 consecutive games. He was named second-team All-Big Ten after his senior season in 2013.

Ferentz’s release leaves a hole at center behind Matt Paradis, who had double-hip surgery this offseason. Dillon Day, who spent the last two seasons on Denver’s practice squad, is the only other true center on the roster. 2016 fifth-round draft pick Connor McGovern is the another possible replacement for Ferentz. McGovern, who played guard at the University of Missouri, has been working out at center this offseason.

As the Broncos continue to sign their 2017 draft picks, more roster moves will be made to stay below the 90-player limit.