Kristian Williams reached an injury settlement and was cut from IR, freeing him to join another club as Denver clears a roster spot.

Kristian Williams, undrafted from Missouri, led Missouri’s defensive line this season as captain and mentor. He joined Denver in the spring, appeared in camp and preseason with two tackles and a deflection, but was waived from IR with an injury settlement. His leadership and relentless work ethic were praised as the kind of competitor any NFL team would value, even if the on-field impact was limited in Denver this year.

Kristian Williams on season-ending IR reduces interior DL impact; Broncos must improvise run defense and pass rush with Williams out, elevating backups and possible injury settlements considerations; Sanders' status looms; the short-term IR opens door for a return after four games, potentially reshaping the Broncos' front and rotation.

Kristian Williams, undrafted defensive tackle for Denver, endured an injury‐plagued rookie season. Waived now, his immediate future lies in rehab and a possible return on the Broncos’ practice squad or a reserve/futures contract. If he shows health and development, he could rejoin Denver’s interior DL rotation or earn a longer look in 2026.

Williams sat undisclosed with injury concerns. His absence highlights the Broncos' cautious stance on defensive line health. If Williams's status lingers, the depth across the defensive front could be tested, potentially elevating backups into more prominent sub-pack rotations and roster considerations.