The Broncos on Tuesday signed outside linebacker Garrett Nelson to a futures contract.

Nelson was released from the practice squad Jan. 19 after the Broncos signed quarterback Ben DiNucci to the squad. DiNucci was needed as their No. 3 quarterback after starter Bo Nix was lost for the season with a broken right ankle suffered in Jan. 17 divisional playoff game against Buffalo.

In Sunday’s 10-7 loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game, Jarrett Stidham started while backup Sam Ehlinger didn’t play and DiNucci wasn’t elevated. A source said Monday the Broncos don’t plan to sign DiNucci to a futures deal.

Nelson was on Denver’s practice squad for much of the season. Nelson, undrafted out of Nebraska, never has appeared in an NFL regular-season game.

After the Broncos signed six players off their practice squad to futures deals Monday, Nelson became the seventh to get such a deal.