The Denver Broncos made the unfortunate decision to officially end Matt Henningsen’s 2026 season, replacing him, and cornerback Sam Webb, on the roster with Ricardo Hallman.
Head coach Sean Payton–who was out of town attending the Hall of Fame ceremony for former New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees–and the Broncos have encountered as series of impactful injuries.
None of which were more severe than Henningsen’s.
Broncos Sign ‘Special’ Cornerback
GettyRicardo Hallman of the Wisconsin Badgers
“Per wire, #Broncos released CB Sam Webb and signed DB Ricardo Hallman,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on August 8.
Hallman is an undrafted rookie free agent.
“Ricardo Hallman is a dynamic cornerback who brings competitive energy and solid technical skills to the table. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 185 pounds, Hallman has the agility and quickness to thrive in coverage,” Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department wrote in November 2024.
“He displays impressive ball skills, tracking the ball well and timing his plays through the catch point. His closing speed is an asset when breaking on the ball, and he has the ability to make plays at the catch point. However, his lack of ideal height and length can sometimes be exposed against larger receivers, especially in contested situations. Despite these limitations, Hallman’s overall coverage skills and competitiveness are major positives in his game.”
Badger of Honor’s Mark Knight believes Hallman is “great pickup for the Broncos.”
“He’s a special player that was part of a pretty proficient defense last year. The Badgers may have only won four games last year and were underwhelming in so many facets, but Wisconsin was a solid defense. One of the best in the Big Ten and even a top-10 unit for the beginning part of the season. Two of those wins came on the back of the defense,” Knight wrote on August 8.
“His testing didn’t turn a lot of heads, and that may have cost him both as a UDFA and in the NFL Draft, but he’s a gamer who will find a way to show he belongs. The Broncos are looking for an edge in that room and someone to bring in the competition. That would be Hallman.”
Knight noted Hallman often lined up opposite the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver. He will not need to do that if he sticks with the Broncos, with Pat Surtain II leading the way.
Still, it is an encouraging footnote.
Former Broncos Veteran Could Bounce Back Quickly
GettySam Webb landed on the Denver Broncos’ roster this offseason.
The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported that Webb was not expecting the decision from the Broncos.
“The release by the #Broncos of veteran Sam Webb after practice today was a surprise to him, I’m told,” Tomasson reported on X on August 8. “He might not be out of work long, though. Sources said Jacksonville, Houston and Tennessee already have expressed interest in him. As a vested veteran, he’s now a free agent.”
Webb signed with the Broncos in free agency this offseason.
Among other stops, he is a former Las Vegas Raiders reserve and profiled as a special teams contributor for the Broncos. That a role that Hallman will likely now fill for the Broncos.
Broncos Make Official Decision on Injured Veteran
GettyMatt Henningsen must get back in recovery mode.
Henningsen is a reserve, but he suffered a torn Achilles tendon one year after tearing his other one, essentially wiping the last year of work to get back out for the former UDFA.
“DL Matt Henningsen was placed on season-ending IR,” Klis noted in his report.
That was always the expectation. It also serves as a dour reminder of the injury that comes as the Broncos monitor Courtland Sutton, and navigate issues with fellow wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Marvin Mims Jr.
The Broncos have been healthy at cornerback so far. Hallman could still carve out a spot for himself at the bottom of the depth chart/roster or practice squad.
Broncos Add ‘Dynamic’ Cornerback as Roster Shake-Up Affects Two Veterans