Three Broncos Who Could Be Left Off the Initial 53-Man Roster
Every NFL preseason produces a few difficult roster decisions. While most of the attention is focused on breakout stars and position battles, the final cuts often involve players who have already contributed at the NFL level. As the Denver Broncos continue building one of the deepest rosters they have fielded in years, keeping everyone simply won’t be possible.
That doesn’t necessarily mean every player who misses the initial 53-man roster is destined to leave the organization. Injuries, practice squad elevations, and roster moves throughout the season often create new opportunities. Still, these three Broncos could find themselves on the outside looking in when Denver trims its roster before Week 1:
3. JL Skinner
Few Broncos have more to prove this preseason than JL Skinner. A sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Skinner has flashed physicality and athleticism but has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor on defense. Entering his fourth season, time is beginning to run short to carve out a meaningful role.
Skinner appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season but played just 34 defensive snaps, finishing with 12 total tackles and a fumble recovery. His biggest obstacle, however, may be Denver’s depth at safety. Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga are firmly entrenched as the starters, while rookie Miles Scott joins a group that also includes First-Team All-Pro special teamer Devon Key and veteran free-agent addition Tycen Anderson.
That leaves Skinner fighting for one of the final roster spots in one of the Broncos’ deepest position groups. His best opportunity may come on special teams, but he’ll have to outperform players who have already established themselves in that phase of the game. If Skinner doesn’t separate himself during the preseason, Denver may decide another safety offers more immediate value.
A strong preseason could still change that outlook. Skinner possesses the size and athleticism that originally made him an intriguing draft pick, and another productive preseason could earn him another opportunity. If he struggles to stand out, however, he could be left off the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster.
2. Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Lil’Jordan Humphrey has earned Sean Payton’s trust over the years by doing many of the little things that don’t always appear in the box score. The two first crossed paths during their time together with the New Orleans Saints, and Humphrey has since built a reputation as a dependable blocker who embraces whatever role his coaches ask him to fill. Although he had a brief three-game stint with the New York Giants in 2025, Humphrey eventually returned to Denver and once again found a role in the Broncos’ offense.
The challenge for Humphrey is that Denver’s wide receiver room has become significantly more crowded entering 2026. Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr. all project to be ahead of Humphrey on the depth chart, making every remaining roster spot more difficult to secure. After catching just nine passes for 101 yards and one touchdown with the Broncos in 2025, Humphrey may need an outstanding preseason simply to stay in the conversation.
Experience still works in Humphrey’s favor. Coaches value players they trust, particularly those who understand the offense, block well, and rarely make mental mistakes. Those qualities could ultimately keep him in Denver’s plans even if younger wideouts generate more excitement.
Even so, his roster spot may not be as secure as it once appeared. If another wide receiver emerges during the preseason, Humphrey could become one of the Broncos’ toughest toughest veteran cuts despite his longstanding rapport with Payton.
1. Jaleel McLaughlin
If Jaleel McLaughlin doesn’t make Denver’s initial 53-man roster, it won’t be for lack of talent. Since arriving in the Mile High City as an undrafted free agent in 2023, he has consistently found ways to contribute whenever his number has been called. Unfortunately for McLaughlin, the Broncos’ decision to draft Jonah Coleman has made an already competitive running back room even more crowded.
McLaughlin rushed for 187 yards and one touchdown in 2025 while averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. He averaged 5.7 yards per attempt against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 as Denver clinched the AFC West before averaging 6.8 yards per carry against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 to help secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Those performances showed he can provide efficient production when given opportunities, but efficiency alone may not be enough to survive one of the Broncos’ deepest running back rooms in years.
The challenge isn't McLaughlin’s ability – it’s the competition around him. J.K. Dobbins is expected to lead the backfield, Coleman has the talent to earn meaningful carries, and R.J. Harvey projects to fill the primary change-of-pace role. If Denver keeps only three running backs, McLaughlin could suddenly find himself battling for the final spot despite making the most of his opportunities.
Roster decisions often come down to numbers rather than talent, and McLaughlin’s situation reflects exactly that. He has proven he can contribute at the NFL level, but the Broncos may ultimately decide their backfield has become too crowded to keep four running backs. If that happens, McLaughlin would be on the outside looking in when Denver finalizes its initial 53-man roster.
