Broncos Roster Bloodbath: The Shocking Cuts That Will Define the 53
Denver Broncos Face Tough Choices: Who Might Not Make the Final 53-Man Roster?
The Big Picture: Roster Cutdown Time
Imagine you have a backpack that can only hold 53 items, but you have 90 cool things you want to bring. You have to take some out. That’s exactly what the Denver Broncos are doing right now!
Key Details:
- Date: August 21, 2026 (9:30 a.m. Mountain Time)
- Next Game: Friday night preseason game vs. Green Bay Packers at home
- The Goal: Get down to the NFL limit of 53 players on the active roster
- The Dream: Build a team that can win Super Bowl LXI (that’s Super Bowl 61!)
Important Point: Every NFL team goes through this painful process. Players who have worked hard all summer will be told "thanks, but we don’t have room." It’s one of the hardest parts of football.
Why Is This So Hard for the Broncos?
The Broncos have a talent-laden roster (fancy words for "lots of really good players"). When you have too many good players, deciding who stays becomes a nightmare. The coaching staff has to ask:
- Who helps us win right now?
- Who has the best long-term potential?
- Who contributes on special teams (kickoffs, punts, etc.)?
- Who can we trust to stay healthy?
Projected Toughest Cut on Offense: Jaleel McLaughlin, Running Back
Who Is He?
Jaleel McLaughlin is a hard-working running back who gives the team a "spark" when he comes off the bench. Think of him like a backup singer who sounds amazing but isn’t the lead.
Why He’s in Trouble (The Numbers Game)
The Broncos running back room is packed:
| Player | How They Got Here | Role |
|---|---|---|
| J.K. Dobbins | Re-signed to a 2-year contract this offseason | The clear #1 starter |
| Jonah Coleman | Drafted in the 4th round (Washington) | Future building block |
| RJ Harvey | Another young running back | Part of the present AND future |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | Undrafted free agent (2023) | The "odd man out" |
The Specific Reasons He Might Get Cut
- Not great in pass protection – When the quarterback drops back to throw, running backs need to block big defenders. McLaughlin struggles here.
- Doesn’t play special teams – In the NFL, if you’re not a starter, you MUST contribute on kickoffs/punts. McLaughlin doesn’t.
- Lost a fumble in the preseason win over Atlanta – Ball security is job #1 for running backs.
- Lost snaps to Tyler Badie in 2025 for these exact reasons.
The Sad Part
"McLaughlin scored a touchdown in the preseason victory over Atlanta last week and is one of those players who just does what is asked of him."
He’s a good player and a good teammate – just squeezed out by math and roster rules.
Projected Toughest Cut on Defense: Drew Sanders, Linebacker
Who Is He?
Drew Sanders was a 3rd-round draft pick (high draft capital = high expectations). He showed a flash against the Falcons with a sack (tackling the QB behind the line of scrimmage).
The Injury Cloud
Sanders has missed a big chunk of his career due to injuries. In the NFL, availability is the best ability. If you can’t stay on the field, you can’t help the team.
The Crowded Outside Linebacker Room
The Broncos have FIVE other outside linebackers who all look like locks to make the team:
- Nik Bonitto
- Jonathon Cooper
- Jonah Elliss
- Dondrea Tillman
- Que Robinson
That’s five guys ahead of him for maybe 4-5 roster spots. Simple math: no room for #6.
The "What If" Factor
- If cut: Sanders would almost certainly be claimed by another team (scooped up off the "waiver wire") because of his draft pedigree and raw talent.
- The Broncos’ dilemma: They’re in "win-now" mode for a Super Bowl. They may not have patience to wait for Sanders to finally stay healthy and develop.
How Roster Cuts Work: A Simple Step-by-Step
- Preseason Games – Players get final chances to prove themselves on film
- Coaches Meet – Hours of arguing/debating over bubble players
- Final 53 Announced – Usually the Tuesday after the last preseason game
- Waiver Wire – Cut players go on a 24-hour "claim" list; other teams can pick them up
- Practice Squad – Unclaimed players might be brought back on the 16-man practice squad (but they can be poached by other teams!)
Summary: The Hard Reality of NFL Business
| Player | Position | Why It’s Tough | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | Great teammate, productive, but no special teams value & crowded room | Cut; may land on practice squad or another team |
| Drew Sanders | LB | High draft pick, flashes talent, but injuries + loaded depth chart | Cut; will almost certainly be claimed by another team |
Bottom Line: The Broncos are trying to build a Super Bowl roster, not a "nice guys" roster. Sometimes good players become casualties of math, scheme fit, and special teams value.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "53-man roster" mean?
It’s the NFL rule: only 53 players can be on the active team during the regular season. Everyone else is cut, put on injured reserve, or moved to the practice squad.
Why does special teams matter so much for backups?
If you’re not a starter (playing offense/defense every snap), your only way to stay on the team is contributing on kickoffs, punts, and returns. It’s like having a part-time job plus your main role.
What is the "waiver wire"?
When a player is cut, they don’t instantly become a free agent. For 24 hours, other teams can "claim" them (take their contract). Teams with worse records get first dibs. This is why Sanders will likely be grabbed quickly.
Can the Broncos keep McLaughlin on the practice squad?
Yes, but it’s risky. If he clears waivers (no other team claims him in 24 hours), they can sign him to the 16-man practice squad. But another team could sign him off the practice squad to their active roster at any time.
When do we know the final cuts for real?
The official deadline is usually the Tuesday after the final preseason game (around August 26, 2026). That’s when the 53-man roster must be set!
Follow the Journey!
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- Fun Fact: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans – including Paul George and Amy Adams!
Preseason is where dreams are made… and sometimes where they end. But for every player cut, another gets their shot. That’s the NFL!