The Denver Broncos have hired Kelly Kleine as the executive director of football operations and special adviser to general manager George Paton.

Kleine, 30, is believed to be the highest-ranking female scouting executive ever with an NFL team. Kleine spent 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where she most recently served as the manager of player personnel and was also a college scout.

"Kelly is a rising star in the NFL, and we're fortunate to add someone of her caliber to the Denver Broncos," Paton said in a statement.

"Having worked with her for nine years in Minnesota, Kelly has a strong understanding of all aspects of football operations and player evaluation along with outstanding leadership qualities. She will be a tremendous resource with her experience on the pro and college sides as well as her knowledge of our grading scale and football calendar."

Ja'Wuan James is strongly considering filing a grievance through the NFL Players Association for lost wages after he tore his Achilles tendon away from the Denver Broncos facility, according to a source.

James, who was released Friday with a post-June 1 designation, could seek more than $10 million in salary for the 2021 season that the Broncos appear likely won't cover after they designated him with a non-football injury.

The injury has already been a flashpoint between the NFL and the NFLPA over the "non-football injury" designation, which means teams are not required to pay players their full base salaries if they were injured outside of team facilities.

While it was reported that he was released, the Denver Broncos haven't cut DaeSean Hamilton loose and are still looking to trade the wide receiver.

Denver has a deep wide receiver group with Courtland Sutton , Jerry Jeudy , K.J. Hamler and Tim Patrick.