The Denver Broncos begin the preparations for the upcoming 2026 season with a very strong roster, but an exceptionally loaded secondary. Every key starter and most every backup from last season is poised to come back and keep the back end of Denver’s defense one of the premier strengths of the team.
Very few notable free agents vacated Denver via free agency, but backup safety P.J. Locke was one of them. Locke signed a one-year deal worth $5 million with the Dallas Cowboys. With his departure, that
opens up one roster spot at the position groups—which figures to be one of the fiercest competitions in all of training camp.
One player vying for that spot will be undrafted rookie free agent Parker Robertson. Robertson began his career at Oklahoma State in 2021 as a walk-on and played in just one game. Over the next several seasons, he would be a cornerstone of their special teams unit and a valuable backup player.
In his final season with the Cowboys, Robertson finally became a starter. He had a terrific senior campaign posting 77 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions. He finished his five-year collegiate career appearing in 51 games (14 starts) with 148 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions.
Player Profile
Age: 24 | Experience: R | College: Oklahoma State | Height: 5’11” | Weight: 191 pounds
Arm Length: 29-3/8” | Hand Size: 9” | Bench: 17 reps | Vertical: 35” | Broad Jump: 9’-10”
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.20 seconds | Shuttle: 4.46 seconds
Parker Robertson’s 2026 outlook with the Broncos
The continuity and experience on the Broncos’ roster will make it tough for any undrafted rookie free agent to make the squad. Denver has a fantastic tradition of UDFA players making the cut. Though I don’t believe that will happen at the safety position this season.
Last year, the Broncos kept five safeties on their final roster. I’d expect that to be the case again for their ‘26 campaign. The starting duo of Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones are set in stone. Backup safety Devon Key, who was an All-Pro on special teams, will make the cut as well. That leaves just two spots up for grabs.
Outside of Robertson, J.L. Skinner is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is on the roster bubble despite being a core special teams’ player for Denver the past three seasons. Additionally, the Broncos selected Illinois safety Miles Scott in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft and also signed former Cincinnati Bengals special teams standout Tycen Anderson in free agency.
Robertson made the most of his opportunities toward the end of his collegiate days and was a fantastic special teams player for them. However, can he impress enough to beat out Skinner and Anderson who are battle-tested veterans with ample NFL experience?
Final Thoughts
Robertson’s leadership, football intelligence, and nose for the football all stand out. However, the experience of other players gunning for a spot, coupled with his below average size and athleticism will make things tough for him to crack the final 53-man roster. All things considered, I believe Robertson will be a strong candidate for the Broncos’ 16-man practice squad.
