Sean Payton (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos made a surprising roster cut on Wednesday as they released former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci.

DiNucci, who earned popularity last year given his play in the UFL, spent the 2023 NFL season on the Broncos’ practice squad. He was the third QB on the roster behind Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, but the team chose to draft Bo Nix out of Oregon last month, which meant there was a decision to make.

“After trading for Zach Wilson, and drafting Bo Nix last month, the Broncos now have released QB Ben DiNucci,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday afternoon.

The player took to social media to announce the release as well.

“I have been released by the Broncos,” he wrote. “All part of the journey!! Excited for what’s to come.”

The Broncos could re-sign DiNucci for their practice squad if he doesn’t find himself on another active roster.

The 27-year-old played in Denver’s preseason 41-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams last season, going 11-of-15 for 117 yards and throwing one touchdown pass. The team waived him as part of their 53-man roster cuts before the start of the regular season. He was picked up for the practice squad.

Could Ben DiNucci Return To Dallas After His Spell With The Denver Broncos?

The Cowboys drafted DiNucci in the seventh round back in 2020. He made one start, appearing in three games for the team.

He got his chance after injuries to Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton during the 2020 season but didn’t fare all that well in an outing against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys started Garrett Gilbert the following week.

DiNucci was released in the 2022 offseason, ending his stint in Dallas with 23-of-43 made passes for 219 yards and no touchdowns.

A Cowboys reunion could be on the cards following his time with the Denver Broncos, but the NFC outfit already has Cooper Rush and Trey Lance backing Prescott up.

There was some talk of the team adding a quarterback to their roster ahead of the draft, but they didn’t end up drafting any QBs, nor did they sign any undrafted ones.