Denver Broncos cut three 2026 draft picks to finalize roster

The Denver Broncos released tight end Justin Joly, safety Miles Scott, and linebacker Red Murdock as part of the team's final roster cutdown to 53 players on August 30. General manager George Paton acknowledged the risk of losing the drafted rookies to waiver claims, particularly Joly, who was a fifth-round selection. Paton noted that while Joly missed significant offseason time and struggled to adjust to the tight end position, the team remains interested in his potential development. The roster decisions left the team with Adam Trautman, Evan Engram, and rookie Dallen Bentley at tight end. Paton indicated that the team is monitoring waiver wire activity across the league, though he noted that claim volume has historically been limited. The Broncos continue to balance immediate roster needs against the long-term potential of young players recently removed from the active squad.

• 6:53 AMYahoo Sports — Broncos Concerned After Cutting Tight End to Finalize 53-Man Roster