Denver Broncos to release safety Caden Sterns

Former Texas Longhorns star safety Caden Sterns is reportedly being released this week by the Denver Broncos after starting training camp on PUP. A former fifth-round pick in 2021, Sterns tore his patella tendon last year in the opening game of the regular season and missed the remainder of the year.

“The #Broncos have informed safety Caden Sterns of their plans to release him, per source,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared on Monday.

The team placed him on PUP last month, joining second-year linebacker Drew Sanders, however, the team is now freeing him up to sign with a new team in free agency.

Prior to his knee injury, the defensive back totaled four interceptions over his first two NFL seasons for Denver. He appeared in 15 games as a rookie to finish with 28 total tackles, five passes defended and a pair of picks.

However, Sterns has played in only six games since then as injuries have taken a toll on him early in his pro career. He also missed 12 games in 2023 during his second season as a result of injury.

His rookie contract with the Denver Broncos was for four years, $3.81 million. He would have become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season without a contract extension. Now, Sterns will get to test the free agency waters early.

Broncos parting ways with safety Sterns

In college, Sterns was a three-year starter for the Texas Longhorns. He totaled 172 tackles, five interceptions and 13 passes defended while starting 28 of 29 games across his career.

His performance led to him becoming a fifth-round draft pick in 2021 and he appeared by all means to be outperforming where he was selected. The injuries have proved a setback for him early on but a healthy 2024 season would put that all behind him, though it appears he won’t be doing it for Denver.

The Broncos are coming off of a season in which they finished 8-9 in their first season under coach Sean Payton. Their defense ranked 30th in the league in yards allowed per play.

Sterns is the brother of former Oklahoma State defensive back Jordan Sterns, who played in Stillwater for three full seasons. Jordan Sterns finished his career as a Cowboy with three interceptions.