In 2019, Todd Davis, (left) recorded 134 tackles (78 solo) and six tackles for loss. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos surprisingly release longtime starting LB Todd Davis

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 9/4/20

NFL teams are getting an early start with cutdown day coming Saturday. That includes some surprising veterans being given pink slips ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

We can now add another one to the list. According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the Denver Broncos have released longtime starting linebacker Todd Davis.

Another cutdown surprise: The #Broncos have released ILB Todd Davis, source said.

Six seasons in Denver, four as a starter. Davis had dealt with injuries in camp the past two years. But a productive veteran now available.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2020

This comes as a pretty big surprise given that Davis has started at inside linebacker in Denver over the past four seasons.

In 2019, Davis, 28, recorded 134 tackles (78 solo) and six tackles for loss. Davis had been dealing with a groin injury before the Broncos surprisingly decided to release him.

Denver Broncos depth chart following release of Todd Davis

A fourth-round pick out of Iowa back in 2018, Josey Jewell was seemingly on the roster bubble ahead of Friday’s news. He now moves up on the depth chart and is a potential strter next to fellow inside linebacker Alexander Johnson.

Late last month, Denver signed former Rams first-round pick Mark Barron. A safety by trade, he’s making his name known more as an inside linebacker in the NFL. Barron, 30, started nine games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. He recorded 82 tackles (58 solo), three passes defended and an interception.

More Denver Broncos rumors

In news relating to the Davis release, Denver traded defensive tackle Christian Covington to the Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Austin Calitro on Friday.

The Bengals are trading Austin Calitro for Denver’s Christian Covington per source.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) September 4, 2020

Calitro, 26, has started nine games in two seasons between the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars. He could figure into the starting inside linebacker competition moving forward.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: