Broncos HC Payton reacts to the Lions poaching LB Kwon Alexander from the practice squad

The Denver Broncos They caused quite a stir last week when they allowed veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander be poached from the training team through the Detroit Lions. Denver then signed linebacker Zach Cunningham from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Both Alexander and Cunningham had exhausted the number of game-day raises allowed by NFL rules, and when faced with the need to add a linebacker to the active roster, the decision went in Cunningham’s favor – even though Alexander is a Payton guy, which goes back to Payton New Orleans.

“He took advantage of his three appearances,” Payton said of Cunningham. “So he’s a good tackler because of his experience.” He can run. We definitely spent a lot of time with him in the offseason.”

What happens next on the Broncos beat? Don’t miss any more news and analysis! Take a moment, sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

The Broncos scouted Cunningham in the offseason as the new league year began, but the team ultimately signed veteran Cody Barton. After Alex Singleton had his fourth straight season with 100+ tackles, the Broncos liked their new starting inside linebacker duo but still re-signed Justin Strnad to add depth.

This second move proved prescient, as Singleton suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3. Just days later, the Broncos conducted their offseason due diligence on professional personnel and signed Alexander and Cunningham.

Due to the transactions made, the Broncos now have an open spot on the practice squad. Payton says the team will fill the spot with the “best player available” and shares his excitement that Alexander will be able to join a championship team like the Lions.

“I’m happy for Kwon,” Payton said. “I had a nice visit with him. We’ve been together before and it’s a good opportunity for him, but we knew that would come with Zach.”

By “knew this was coming,” was Payton referring to the fact that Cunningham ran out of practice spots last week? Or was the plan always to promote Cunningham to the 53-man roster instead of Alexander? That is unclear.

Cunningham is an eighth-year player and a former second-round draft pick. In his career, he has totaled 665 tackles (419 solo), 6.5 sacks, one interception, 23 passes defended, five forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered.

The Broncos received another boost to the linebacker corps last week by officially removing Drew Sanders from the physically unable to perform list (PUP). The Broncos drafted him in the third round last year with the initial vision of having him play inside, but all signs pointed to him moving to the outside last offseason before suffering his Achilles tendon injury.

There’s a good chance the Broncos will integrate Sanders into the rush linebacker rotation. But the beauty of his versatility is that he can play both inside and outside.

Keep following Denver Broncos On SI/Mile High Huddle X And Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live stream podcasts!