Sean Payton Cuts Two Promising UDFA Players for Completely Missing Voluntary OTAs: “They Chose to Go Traveling While the Whole Team Was Practicing”

Posted Jun 20, 2026

Denver, Colorado — The Denver Broncos just made a strong statement, sending a clear message about discipline and commitment inside the locker room.

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Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the team has cut two undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who were once highly regarded for their potential. The move is designed to tighten discipline during the preseason preparation period.

The official reason: Both players were completely absent from all voluntary OTAs since Phase 1 began. While the entire team — from stars like Patrick Surtain II, Courtland Sutton, and Bo Nix to other rookies — showed up fully and worked hard to build chemistry, these two chose to go traveling instead.

At today’s press conference, Head Coach Sean Payton spoke bluntly:

“Even though these sessions are voluntary, every player who truly wants to play for the Broncos was here and gave it everything. While the rest of the team was building bonds and preparing for the new season together, they chose to go traveling and didn’t participate at all. That kind of attitude is unacceptable.”

The two players cut are Kristian Williams (Defensive Tackle) and Levelle Bailey (Inside Linebacker) — UDFA rookies who were expected to compete for backup spots and add depth to the Broncos’ defense.

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Although offseason activities are not mandatory under NFL rules, Payton and the coaching staff view this period as critical for evaluating not just football ability, but also mindset, discipline, and how well players fit the team’s culture.

Both players are at a crucial stage in their careers. Their complete absence raised serious concerns within the organization about their level of commitment. Internal sources say doubts about their attitude had already surfaced earlier, and missing every single session was the final straw.

The immediate decision to cut them sends a powerful message to the entire roster:

  • No one has a guaranteed spot.
  • Potential alone is not enough.
  • Discipline and showing up are the minimum requirements.

The Denver Broncos are now entering Phase 2 of their preseason preparation program. The coaching staff will continue evaluating roster depth, especially on defense, through internal competition and may look to add more personnel.

Update: As of now, representatives for Kristian Williams and Levelle Bailey have not issued any official comments on the matter.

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Broncos Legend Bo Nix Speaks Out in Defense of Legend Von Miller Amid Intense Backlash from the NFL Community
DENVER, Colorado — The NFL world has been rocked this week after a brief comment on television from one of the team's legends unexpectedly sparked a major wave of controversy. What seemed like a normal television moment quickly turned into a larger debate, drawing reactions from fans, analysts, and former players across the league. The situation revolves around Von Miller. His words were quickly interpreted as criticism aimed at the current generation of young quarterbacks (or players). “Sometimes I feel like some of these young players still don’t really understand what it means to lead a team.” Although the remark was short and unprepared, it spread rapidly on social media, turning into a heated and divisive debate. Critics accused him of looking down on young players, while major media outlets repeatedly replayed the clip, amplifying the controversy far beyond its original intent. Within just a few hours, the backlash grew increasingly intense, thrusting one of Denver’s most iconic figures into an unexpected storm of scrutiny. But in the midst of that growing storm, a new voice emerged from inside the Denver Broncos locker room. That voice belongs to Bo Nix, the current face of the franchise and its long-term future. After practice, Nix calmly addressed reporters, refusing to escalate the situation and instead focusing on the core issue. He acknowledged the reaction but emphasized that legacy and context must always be part of the discussion. “I understand why people are reacting this way, but you can’t forget what Aaron Rodgers means to this organization. One moment cannot define an entire career that has shaped everything we are building today.” His words quickly resonated with the Broncos fan community, shifting the tone from criticism to reflection and respect. For many fans, the message served as a reminder that greatness cannot be reduced to a single quote taken out of context. Former players began speaking out in support, reinforcing the belief that legends deserve to be understood when their words are misinterpreted. Inside the locker room, Nix’s statement carried deeper meaning, reflecting the culture that Denver continues to protect and preserve. This was not just about defending a legend, but about strengthening respect, continuity, and shared identity across generations. Moments like this not only highlight controversy but also demonstrate leadership, character, and the willingness to stand firm under pressure. Nix’s response showcased maturity and awareness, proving that leadership is not only about on-field performance but also about protecting what matters most. In Denver, legacy is not only remembered but actively preserved by those who truly understand its real value.

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