Broncos Finalize 53-Man Roster, Keep Three QBs and Seven DLs

Key points

• The Broncos trimmed their roster from 90 to 53 players by the August 30 deadline, with 26 offensive and 25 defensive spots filled.
• Quarterback Sam Ehlinger was retained on the 53-man roster, joining Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham for the first time since 2024.
• Running back Jaleel McLaughlin was waived after three seasons with the team, a decision GM George Paton described as the final and most difficult cut.
• The team kept seven defensive linemen, a number not seen on the initial 53 since 2016, including reserve Jordan Jackson.
• Tight end Caleb Lohner and offensive tackle Frank Crum were placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, while OL Nick Gargiulo remains on physically unable to perform list.

Background

This cutdown follows the conclusion of the 2026 preseason, where the Broncos completed three games. The league-wide deadline for 53-man rosters fell on Sunday, August 30, at 4:00 p.m. MT, a date that has not fallen on a Sunday since 2004. Other teams, including the Ravens and Packers, also finalized their rosters during this window, often utilizing trades to manage cap space or acquire depth.

How outlets are covering it

Mile High Report and Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan provided live trackers of the cuts, noting that no trades were executed by the Broncos, unlike some other teams. The official Denver Broncos site highlighted the retention of Sam Ehlinger, citing his strong preseason performance against the Vikings, while acknowledging the difficulty of cutting McLaughlin. Coach Sean Payton, via Denver Sports, noted that the process is harder for established teams like Denver compared to rebuilding squads, as they have less flexibility to claim players back to the practice squad. FanDuel odds listed the Broncos at +200 to win the AFC West and +2000 for the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

The retention of three quarterbacks signals a commitment to depth and competition behind Bo Nix, while the deep defensive line group aims to sustain the team's recent success in pass rushing. The waiver of McLaughlin and the injury status of key players like Lohner and Crum will impact the team's immediate depth and special teams contributions in the early weeks of the 2026 season.

What to watch

The Broncos will now form their practice squad, with veteran fullback Adam Prentice and long snapper Mitchell Fraboni expected to sign. Waiver claims for cut players will be processed on August 31 at 11:00 a.m. MT. The team is also planning to sign international player OLB David Agoha to the practice squad as a 17th player.