The Denver Broncos knew the risks associated with the waiver wire, and were unable to bring back 2026 fifth-round pick Justin Joly to the practice squad. Joly was claimed by the Miami Dolphins, who picked up Joly, cornerback Reese Taylor on Monday (Miami also added defensive lineman Jordan Miller to their practice squad).
Joly was the only 2026 draft pick that was not brought back in some capacity by the Broncos; both Red Murdock and Miles Scott were brought back onto the practice squad.
Joly's 88-yard score in Week 3 of the preseason was his best highlight during his short stint in Denver, but many felt Joly could have been turned into a developmental project. Instead, he takes his talents to South Beach and the Dolphins. Some fans expressed
frustration at the front office, while others lamented the missed opportunity with Joly aftertrading up in the draft to snag him.
Here is a sampling of how Broncos Twitter reacted to Joly's departure.
i've been thinking about this https://t.co/ggmSQQ0DsR
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) August 31, 2026
Man…super frustrated the #Broncos lost Joly. I get the challenges of putting together a 53-man roster but IF they legitimately wanted him back it was incredible miscalculation to think he could clear waivers. Developmental guy that could’ve been a contributor next season imo
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) August 31, 2026
So this opens up the possibility of becoming a repeat of Greg Dulcich, a tight end Denver gave up on that found better performance in Miami.
— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) August 31, 2026
I certainly will wish Justin Joly well, but this remains a less than stellar look for the Broncos at getting TE talent. https://t.co/dyYVlSzwKP
Traded up to draft a guy that goes to the Dolphins for free becaise we waived him. I'm usually a GP defender but I cant defend this one. Just a really bad look. https://t.co/husba7Goie
— Sean 🐴 (@InTheNixOfTime) August 31, 2026
Insane man. He was a 5th round pick for a reason… idk maybe develop him? https://t.co/kyQYLvcKc7
— 𝙀𝙙𝙜𝙚 💥 (@BroncosEdge_) August 31, 2026
Yikes https://t.co/qVftoEGQvR
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) August 31, 2026
I’m not upset about losing him because I don’t think he was that good anyway but wasting a pick like this when you have one of the oldest rosters in the league and hopefully won’t be picking any higher than 25th for the foreseeable future is rough https://t.co/wGoM8FPObr
— Normie 🐧 (@NixToWaddle) August 31, 2026
The Broncos were obviously aware of the risk of losing Justin Joly on waivers.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 31, 2026
Now that he's going to the Dolphins, the Broncos are "going to give them a hug and wish them the best," as George Paton said last night.
Broncos lose two players. Tough to lose Justin Joly but it didn't quite work out with him with the Broncos. Reese Taylor has played five regular season games for the Broncos, so there was plenty of NFL tape for the Dolphins to evaluate. https://t.co/LdNG4sF4u2
— Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) August 31, 2026
A draft miss.. but that’s ok. We’ll be alright https://t.co/xVsB6v7t9z
— Denver Dude (@DorkDraft) August 31, 2026
I’ve always liked Dallen Bentley More Than Justin Joly 🤫 #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/Fc6SYspstt
— DenverTrav🐧 (@DenverTrav) August 31, 2026
https://t.co/KT6j8aUP2A pic.twitter.com/gxiRV2qjdR
— Nick Kendell 🏔 (@NickKendellMHH) August 31, 2026
Joly continues his NFL journey in Miami, where he joins a Malik Willis-led Dolphin squad. Joly, if he stays on the Dolphins long enough, may face the Broncos in Week 13 when Miami comes to town during the regular season.
We wish Joly nothing but the best (but hope he loses to the Broncos later in the year!).
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Twitter reacts to Dolphins poaching Justin Joly from Broncos
