The Denver Broncos' cutdown from 91 to 53 players on the active roster is well underway, and there have been a few surprises thus far. Two moves in particular that surprised fans were the cuts of "Mr. Irrelevant," linebacker Red Murdock, and fifth-round draft pick tight end Justin Joly. Both were Day 3 draft picks from the Broncos, and thought to be the future of the franchise.
Joly's wide-open touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings showed his potential, while Murdock was elevated to calling plays on Vance Joseph's defense throughout the preseason. Both Joly and Murdock could be strong practice squad candidates, but only if they make it through the waiver wire deadline on Monday morning.
Broncos Twitter reacted to the moves with passionate thoughts.
Nooooo!!! π€―π€―π€―
β Karsen π (@Broncos4six) August 30, 2026
Broncos are waiving ILB Red Murdock
Per @MikeKlis9news pic.twitter.com/VycHQXAjWi
Damn. #Broncos have waived LB Red Murdock, per @mikeklis9news. Really hope that he passes through waivers
β Gage Madrid (@GageMadridNFL) August 30, 2026
I don't like this move. Not one bit. Very short-sighted. Hopefully Red Murdock passes through waivers, but I'll be surprised if he does. https://t.co/CKEKmSLbRr
β Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) August 30, 2026
With Joly waived, have to wonder if the Broncos have something up their sleeve at tight end.
β MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 30, 2026
Running it back with the same TE room as last year would be a bit disappointing
no way he couldβve been that bad. waiving murdock too, Iβm just so baffled
β Caleb (@MileHighNoodle) August 30, 2026
We better keep him as a Bronco any way possible!
β Orlando Mike π°ππ¬π (@OrlandoMike1995) August 30, 2026
They didn't have a pick until the 3rd, so whatever, but cutting all of Justin Joly, Miles Scott, and Red Murdock already is really disappointing.
β Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) August 30, 2026
Considering this, their inactivity in free agency, and the fact that one of their best players just went on the exempt list, this is the most baffling offseason I can remember
β Jeff Stephens (@jffstphns3) August 30, 2026
But at least we kept 3 QBs π
β Harry Potter (@harryplopper__) August 30, 2026
Justin Joly not even making it out of his first training camp is extremely disappointing.
β Nick Korte (@nickkorte) August 30, 2026
The Broncos' scouting department has been excellent...except for tight end. They really need to completely revamp what they're doing at that position, because it isn't working. https://t.co/pYkkgYK4zc
I'll honestly be somewhat surprised if Red Murdock isn't picked up on waivers.
β AROD - Anthony Rodriguez (@AnthonyRod33) August 30, 2026
Would be pleasantly surprised if he makes it to the Broncos PS, but I feel like someone will take a chance on him.
Disappointing.
Justin Joly waived by Denver today.
β PeteNova (@SuperrNova38) August 30, 2026
I didnβt expect him to have an impact this year but shocked he was waived.
Not a great sign when you consider how weak Denverβs TE room already is. https://t.co/9kY89HNO35
Kept 2 below average backups behind Bo
β Bryce πΈ (@MileHighMims) August 30, 2026
Didnβt sign Von to help with Cooper situation
Waived 3 rookies to keep garbage players
Let them cook π₯
wonβt keep developmental young guys around bc theyβre obsessed with certain players that arenβt good truly a hilarious team https://t.co/kNznhFnII7
β T (@TimContic) August 30, 2026
No shot he clears waivers right? https://t.co/8l8wOtB9xs
β ππππ π₯ (@BroncosEdge_) August 30, 2026
TE drafted by Broncos since Julius Thomas (4th, 2011):
β Zach Aulakh (@ZachAulakh) August 30, 2026
Justin Joly (5th, 2026)
Dallen Bentley (7th, 2026)
Caleb Lohner (7th, 2025)
Greg Dulcich (3rd, 2022)
Albert O (4th, 2020)
Noah Fant (1st, 2019)
Troy Fumagalli (5th, 2018)
Jake Butt (5th, 2017)
Jeff Heuerman (3rd, 2015) https://t.co/giQQmkPHLH
I thought George Paton was the master of late round draft picks.
β Mike Carmellini (@Mike_Carmellini) August 30, 2026
Not looking good so far.
The Broncos' road to the 53-man roster continues through 4 p.m. MST on Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Twitter reacts to Broncos cutting fan-favorite draft picks
