When the Denver Broncos set their initial 53-man roster this weekend, they will have to consider other clubs as they attempt to bump certain players down to the practice squad.
Last year, Denver lost two players on the NFL's waiver wire: cornerback Damarri Mathis and rookie offensive lineman Xavier Truss. Both players likely would have been candidates for the practice squad had they cleared waivers.
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons in the NFL are subject to the waiver wire when cut, while veterans (with at least four accrued seasons) simply become free agents. With that in mind, here's a quick list of five players the Broncos could lose to other clubs if they're cut this weekend.
5 players Broncos could lose if cut
5. OLB Drew Sanders: Yes, he's been injured for most
of his career in Denver, but Sanders is a former third-round pick who still has potential. He will likely land on his feet if cut by the Broncos.
4. CB Reese Taylor: Denver's secondary is absolutely stacked, so it might be hard to find a spot for Taylor on the active roster. If Taylor is cut, though, the Broncos will risk losing him on the waiver wire.
3. OT Matt Peart: He is not subject to the NFL's waiver wire, but there's no guarantee Denver would be able to get Peart back on the practice squad if other clubs are looking for an experienced swing tackle/guard.
2. OL Calvin Throckmorton: Similar to Peart, Throckmorton would become a free agent if cut, skipping the waiver wire. He would presumably be a top practice squad candidate for the Broncos, but Throckmorton could draw interest from other teams as a backup swing guard/center.
1. DL Jordan Jackson: The 28-year-old lineman would almost certainly be claimed off waivers if cut by Denver. The Broncos likely won't risk losing him, even if it means carrying seven defensive linemen on the active roster.
Honorable mentions for players who could draw interest elsewhere include safety Miles Scott (a seventh-round draft pick in April), wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey and running backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. All four players could be looking at practice squad roles in 2026, either in Denver or elsewhere.
Denver has until 4 p.m. MT on Sunday, Aug. 30, to finalize an initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. After waiver claims are processed on Monday, clubs can begin building 16- or 17-player practice squads.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 5 players Broncos could lose on waiver wire (or free agency) if cut
