Cody Schrader has a somewhat typical story for a talented undrafted free agent who keeps bouncing around teams and showing enough good to keep having at least a practice squad role.
He was originally signed as an undrafted college free agent by the San Francisco 49ers. He bounced around, spending time with the Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and was briefly claimed by the Houston Texans last season before being waived in December.
The Broncos claimed him off waivers, waived him, then re-signed
him to a futures contract in January of 2026.
In his time in the NFL, Schrader has run once for 3 yards and caught a pass for 6 yards.
Player Profile
Cody Schrader | Running back | Denver Broncos
- Height: 5′ 9″
- Weight: 214 pounds
- Age: 26 years old
- Experience: 3rd season
2026 outlook with the Broncos
The good thing is that someone on the Broncos’ coaching staff sees something they like in Schrader. He’s got a chip and a chair from where I’m seeing things.
The Broncos need more out of their running back room and have aggressively looked to up the production with a 4th round draft pick spent on Jonah Coleman and resigning J.K. Dobbins, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie.
Schrader is going to need to ball out in training camp and show that he’s a guy that can pass protect, be reliable on 3rd down, and show enough mettle to make the coaches think he could hold down the fort if there were some injuries at the position.
Final Word
I think all of us in Broncos Country will be cheering hard to see what Schrader can do in the preseason. In my mind, he’s a long shot to make the roster, though I could see him holding down a spot on the practice squad for sure.
I know the team needs more production from the running back position. That makes this the perfect opportunity for a young, hungry player who’s likely running out of chances to make it.
