Cut day is when teams decide if they’re going all-in this year, or if they’re focused on the future.
The Denver Broncos have made multiple decisions this offseason, and up to today’s cut deadline, which indicated they’re looking forward to 2025 as a year they can really compete.
Denver’s not only rebuilding, they’re in the middle of tear-down mode, as their 53-man roster shows.
Denver ditches experienced players as they’re focused on the future
Earlier in the offseason, the Broncos cut ties with Justin Simmons. He was not only their best defensive player, but the entire team’s top leader.
Similarly, Monday’s surprising announcement that Denver will look to trade Tim Patrick takes away leadership and a team-first player. Patrick looked to be a security blanket for rookie Bo Nix going into 2024, as Nix relied on him in preseason. Denver released the 7-year veteran.
The move toward youth and inexperience continued on Tuesday within the wide receiver room. Denver cut Brandon Johnson to save a space for Devaughn Vele on the roster. Both are 26-years old, but Johnson is entering his third year while Vele is a rookie.
The Broncos kept five receivers on the 53-man roster–Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Vele–the group is wildly inexperienced outside of Sutton and Reynolds. They have two rookies and Mims is only in his second season. And there’s something to be said about Franklin’s struggles this preseason; wide receivers often have a tough time transitioning to the NFL.
Even would-be stars like Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins had only so-so rookie seasons. And it’s unlikely either Franklin or Vele will be superstars in a few years.
The team’s desire to move on from Samaje Perine is one more move that proves Denver is focused on the future. This one makes more sense, because rookie Audric Estime should fill the veteran’s shoes decently well. But besides his eight years of experience, Perine was the Broncos third leading receiver (455 yards) last season. Will Javonte Williams be able to increase his receiving prowess?
Since it’s still cut day, we don’t have all the data from across the league yet. But the Broncos are likely one of the youngest and most inexperienced teams in the NFL going into 2024.
Sean Payton is still in the middle of a rebuild
It’s become clear Payton isn’t done starting from scratch in this Broncos rebuild. In fact, he and George Paton are still in tear-down mode while trying to build a winner.
Payton has proven this is his team. He’s rebuilt the receiver room with young, tall, talented players. Denver’s head coach has a type when it comes to wideouts, and only Mims doesn’t fit that mold. But he’ll contribute on special teams with his speed.
Sean Payton has put a stamp on the running back room, too. Javonte Williams is the starter, and Estime will contribute, but don’t be surprised when Jaleel McLaughlin gets looks both on the ground and through the air.
And the biggest move on offense was selecting Bo Nix in the first round. Payton has his quarterback to run his offense. But, these things take time. Denver won’t start the season with an elite attack.
We know Nix will develop over the course of the year, and Broncos fans will need to be patient with his process. And while the young gunslinger is bringing excitement to the Mile High City again, seriously competing with a rookie QB is nearly impossible.
Of the youth movement, George Paton said the Broncos are “young and hungry.”
This team is focused on the future. They’re focused on really, truly competing in 2025. Not 2024.