As the Preseason ends, Denver’s potential roster cuts loom. The Denver Broncos, like every other NFL team, can only carry 53 players into the season. That excludes practice squad players, the physically unable to perform list, the injured reserve, and the Commissioner’s exempt list. But even with all those spots and lists available, there are too many candidates and not enough jobs. Each team will be faced with tough decisions this week as they pare down their rosters. Denver’s tough decisions start now. Four players that had the potential to be cut just made their case to stay with the team in a big way.
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Making Their Case to Stay: Denver’s Potential Roster Cuts
Jarrett Stidham
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham opened camp as Denver’s #2 quarterback behind Russell Wilson. In Week 3 of the preseason, he proved why. Stidham posted a 17/28, 236-yard, one-touchdown stat line. That performance solidified his position as the Broncos backup heading into 2023. But that solid position wasn’t always the case for Stidham. The Broncos were linked to many potential free-agent quarterbacks, including Trey Lance and Malik Willis. It was thought that they could develop a project quarterback under Wilson over the course of the next couple of years. But Lance was traded to Dallas. Willis remains with the Titans. With Stidham’s improvement this preseason, it looks like he made his case to stay.
Albert Ogwuegbunam
Tight end “Albert O” was the starting tight end heading into the 2022 season. However, he was eventually replaced by rookie tight end Greg Dulcich. Coming into 2023, Ogwuegbunam found himself listed at number five at his position on the depth chart. It looked unlikely that he would even make the team, let alone see playing time. But his Week 3 performance caught the attention of the entire NFL audience, in Denver’s 41-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams. His stat line ended as 7 receptions, 109 yards, and one touchdown. “Albert O” just made his case to stay with the Denver Broncos. Or, at the very least, just had a strong audition for thirty-one other teams. For now, consider Ogwuegbunam to be one of Denver’s potential roster cuts, despite his strong finish.
Brett Maher
Kicker Brett Maher made his case to stay in Denver last night. With his performances improving each week, Maher has made himself an asset to the Broncos, when it looked like he would be a liability. Denver has been linked to many kickers, including Will Lutz, who may be a potential cut of the New Orleans Saints. But Maher has consistently improved, cementing himself as the Broncos kicker. In Week 1, he went 0-2. In Week 2, he went 2-2, including a 48-yard field goal. And in Week 3, he went 2-2 again, including 5-5 on extra points. Maher closed the door on any competition, at least for now.
Jaleel McLaughlin
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin is the surprise of the league. His speedy and persistent play has him at the top of rookie watch lists. Coming into the preseason, McLaughlin was Denver’s number five running back, and one of Denver’s potential roster cuts. However, he has more than made his presence felt, he has demanded to be a part of this team. McLaughlin finishes the preseason with 146 total yards and four total touchdowns. His performance has been more than enough to keep him on the roster. More than that, McLaughlin is playing his way into regular-season playing time.
Denver’s Potential Roster Cuts Making Their Case to Stay
The Denver Broncos roster must reduce to 53 players soon. And, with so few spots for so many players, many key contributors will be cut. But many players who figured to not make the team have made their case to do so. Among them are quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has solidified his role as the backup quarterback. Tight end Albert Ogwugbunam might still not make the team, but he has showcased his talent for the whole NFL. Kicker Brett Maher took his chance to be the starting placekicker and proved his abilities. And rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin started low on the list but has perhaps vaulted himself into real playing time. With the regular season looming, the Denver Broncos make their final roster and craft their final depth chart. The 2023 season awaits.
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