Broncos make multiple roster moves

Just a few hours after safety Jamal Carter landed on injured reserve, the Broncos found his replacement.

Denver signed 27-year-old safety Shamarko Thomas and 26-year-old linebacker A.J. Johnson. The Broncos released outside linebacker Stansley Maponga to clear the necessary roster space.

Thomas was released by the Colts this weekend after hitting an opponent with his head down during a preseason game, making him the first player ejected from a game under the NFL’s new helmet rule.

He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played in Pittsburgh for four years then spent last season with the Bills, before signing with the Colts this offseason. In five NFL seasons, Thomas has played in 60 games but only started two, both in his rookie season.

The Syracuse alum could be a threat to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster. Though the top four safety spots are all but locked up, the team should look to Shamarko Thomas or Dymonte Thomas if they choose to keep five.

Johnson, a former All-SEC linebacker, hasn’t touched a football field in over three years due to rape allegations. He was acquitted by a jury in late July and received interest from several NFL teams before choosing the Broncos, according to 9News.

He played at Tennessee for four years and is the SEC’s all-time leading tackler. Johnson totaled over 100 tackles in each of his last three seasons, including 138 as a sophomore.