Meet the Broncos' initial 53-man roster following 2023 cuts

The Denver Broncos have completed their cuts and assembled their first iteration of the 53-man roster.  This is the first roster assembled by George Paton under new Broncos HC Sean Payton and it has his fingerprints all over it. Will this group of players be the ones to get Denver back on track and competitive within […]

Charles Goldman NFL Managing Editor
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The Denver Broncos have completed their cuts and assembled their first iteration of the 53-man roster. 

This is the first roster assembled by George Paton under new Broncos HC Sean Payton and it has his fingerprints all over it. Will this group of players be the ones to get Denver back on track and competitive within the AFC West?

Without further ado, here's a look at the 53-man roster:

Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2023 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (2)

In: Russell Wilson and Jarett Stidham

Cut: Ben DiNucci

Reaction: Stidham looks like a solid backup to Wilson, but they could probably serve to add another player here.

Running Back (4)

In: Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin**, Michael Burton (FB)

Cut: Tyler Badie, Dwayne Washington, Tony Jones Jr.,

Reaction: This was the best possible combination to go with. They've got a running back for every occasion. 

Wide Receiver (4)

In: Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr.*, Brandon Johnson

Cut: Marquez Callaway, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Montrell Washington, Kendall Hinton, Taylor Grimes**, J.J. Koski, Josh Hammond

Reaction: This is surprisingly light at the receiver position. Don't be shocked to see some waiver claims here.

Tight End (3)

In: Greg Dulcich, Chris Manhertz, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins**

Cut: Tommy Hudson

Traded: Albert Okwuebunam

Reaction: Albert O simply didn't fit what the Broncos were looking for at the tight end position.

Offensive line (9)

In: Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Mike McGlinchey, Luke Wattenberg, Cam Fleming, Quinn Meinerz, Alex Forsyth*, Alex Palczewski**,

Cut: Quinn Bailey, Kyle Fuller, Henry Byrd**, Will Sherman, Demontrey Jacobs**, Isaiah Prince

Reaction: The Broncos' offensive line is a work in progress, but keeping numbers at the position is probably the right call. 

Defensive Line (5)

In: Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Matt Henningsen, Jonathan Harris, Elijah Garcia

Cut: Tyler Lancaster, Jordan Jackson, P.J. Mustipher**, Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi, Tomasi Laulile, Mike Purcell

Reaction: A stout interior defensive line to start. Could certainly use a few fresh faces, though.

Linebacker (9)

In: Frank Clark, Randy Gregory, Josey Jewell, Alex Singleton, Drew Sanders*, Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Thomas Incoom**, Justin Strnad

Cut: Aaron Patrick, Austin Ajiake, Seth Benson**, Marcus Haynes**, Christopher Allen

Reaction: This group looks like it could be dynamic. 

Cornerback (7)

In: Pat Surtain II, Damarri Mathis, Tremon Smith, Essang Bassey, Riley Moss*, K'Waun Williams, Ja'Quan McMillan

Cut:  Delonte Hood, Fabien Moreau, Art Green, Faion Hicks

Reaction: Dare I say this might be the best position group on the roster? It's got a great blend of proven talent and young players on the rise. K'Waun Williams is expected to go on IR tomorrow. 

Safety (6)

In: Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Caden Sterns, JL Skinner*, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell.

Cut: Devon Key

Reaction: I'm surprised they're carrying this many players here, but better safe than sorry with Justin Simmons battling injury.

Special Teams (3)

In: K Wil Lutz, Riley Dixon (P), Mitchell Fraboni (LS)

Cut: K Brett Maher

Reaction: The trade for Lutz made far too much sense.

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Featured image via Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports