Broncos place Ja’Wuan James on season-ending reserve list

The Denver Broncos have placed right tackle Ja’Wuan James on their reserve non-football-related injury list, according to 9News Insider Mike Klis.

Per league source, Broncos have placed Ja’Wuan James on their reserve NFI list, ending his season. Procedural move opens up roster spot. Still no determination on what, if anything, Broncos will do regarding not paying salary/recouping signing bonus and opt-out salary. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) May 7, 2021

Klis reported that the move to put James on the reserve list was “anticipated” because the transaction opens up a roster spot.

James suffered an Achilles injury on Tuesday while working out away from the team facility, putting his $10 million guaranteed salary in jeopardy.

According to Klis, voiding James’ $10.58 million “guaranteed” salary would also erase the final two years and $24 million on James’ contract.

The NFL sent a memo cautioning players working out on their own just one day after James’ injury.

The memo sent to all 32 teams highlighted that any injury sustained outside a team facility are considered “non-football injuries” and therefore clubs have no contractual obligations to provide salary continuation during the year.

It was reported earlier this week that the Broncos will be bringing in free agent right tackles Dennis Kelly and Bobby Massie for possible replacements.