Building a 53-man roster in today’s NFL is no easy feat, with several tough decisions to make. That was certainly the case for the Denver Broncos when they assembled their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season.
A day after the league’s deadline to reach a 53-man roster, a flurry of moves is still underway as teams have claimed players off waivers and established their practice squads.
Being let go wasn’t the end of many players’ careers who were with the Broncos this summer. Several players have found new homes.
Former Broncos Who Signed With New Teams
Tim Patrick, receiver
The hardest player for Broncos fans to lose in this round of bowl games was undoubtedly fan favorite Tim Patrick. But the veteran receiver landed on his feet and signed with the Detroit Lions, where he will start on the practice squad with a plan in place to quickly be promoted to the active roster.
Samaje Perine, running back
The other big name the Broncos released was veteran running back Samaje Perine, who was a solid backup to Sean Payton last season and just fell victim to the roster crunch this year. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and could be part of a season-long trio.
Brandon Johnson, receiver
Brandon Johnson was one of the hardest players to cut from the team, at least in my opinion. The Broncos offered him to the practice squad, but he was ultimately cut. accepted an offer to join the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad, where he will have the opportunity to work with his former quarterback, Russell Wilson, and receivers coach, Zach Azzanni.
Elijah Garcia, defensive lineman
Elijah Garcia is saligning with the New York Giants to be on their practice squad. He had been with the Broncos the past two seasons and had developed well, the team just chose to go in a different direction.
Demontrey Jacobs, offensive lineman
The New England Patriots picked up Demontrey Jacobs off waivers and placed him on their 53-man roster. Undrafted last year, he was also developing well for the Broncos and almost certainly would have been signed to the practice squad.
The Patriots claimed OT Demontrey Jacobs off waivers from the Broncos. This preseason:
? Pass blocking rating of 82.1
? 50 Pass Blocking Clichés
? 2 pressures allowed
? 99.0 pass blocking efficiency pic.twitter.com/vaMsylpJvP— Nova Scotia Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) August 28, 2024
Sam Mustipher, center
The Broncos selected Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth at center, but still wanted to add Sam Mustipher to their practice squad. Instead, he accepted an offer Los Angeles Chargers to join their practice squad.
Jalen Virgil, receiver
Jalen Virgil, another promising young receiver who had some injury setbacks in Denver, joined the Buffalo Bills as a member of their training team.
Most of these players would have been on the Broncos’ practice squad if it had been possible, but that’s the danger of exposing players to waivers. Now they’re moving on to other teams.
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