The Denver Broncos host the Arizona Cardinals this afternoon for their third and final preseason game. Earlier this week, Head Coach Sean Payton crowned Bo Nix the starting quarterback and he is sitting out for today’s game.
That means Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will get all of the final reps and go head-to-head to see who becomes the Broncos’ backup quarterback for the 2024. That’s just one of many storylines to watch.
The final 53-man roster needs to be set by this coming Tuesday, so it’s the last chance for many players looking to make their mark to earn a spot. Without further ado, let’s dig into my Top 5 storylines for the preseason finale—which all center around position group battles with roster cuts on the horizon.
Jarrett Stidham vs. Zach Wilson — Who will be the Broncos’ #2 QB?
Payton has repeatedly stated how happy he is with the quarterback room and wasn’t shy about stating the Broncos could “certainly” keep three on their final 53-man roster. It’s a young and talented group, but would Denver really keep a third QB at the expense of another young and promising player on their roster? It’s a tough call that will have to be made by Tuesday, August 27.
Nevertheless, the finale against the Cardinals will be a big battle to see who earns the backup position behind Nix. Stidham will be on a multi-drive pitch count which might signify that he has the job locked up. But if Wilson really impresses it might be a hard decision for Payton who has praised Wilson often throughout the offseason. Stidham has the upper hand due to it being the second-year learning Payton’s system, but Wilson was a high-profile draft pick with a lot more plus traits.
It’s not that the Broncos need the cap space, but moving on from Stidham would give them five million dollars more to play with. Which might be useful in case they wanted to make any trades to shore up talent at position groups they aren’t feeling too good about.
The Offensive Line — Who earns themselves backup jobs?
The Broncos’ starting line has four sure-fire starts etched out with Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz and Mike McGlinchey. Based on what we have seen in training camp and the preseason, Luke Wattenberg is the front-runner for the starting center position, but Alex Forsyth is right in the fold for that opportunity as well.
The real battle is at swing tackle with Matt Peart and Alex Palczewski battling it out for that position. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if both of them make the final roster given the season-ending injury to Quinn Bailey. That being said, Palczewski struggled immensely against the Green Bay Packers and needs a rebound game. Though his versatility and reps at right guard might be a deciding factor when dwindling down the roster.
Calvin Throckmorton and Will Sherman are in two-man contest for a guard position. A darkhorse candidate in Demontrey Jacobs has risen from the ashes for one of the last spots in the offensive trenches. He has really improved this offseason and put together some solid tape in the Broncos’ first preseason games. I think he has earned a spot on the team.
If I had to guess the odd man out in addition to the names which weren’t mentioned here it would be Sherman. That being said, the game against the Cardinals is important for all of those guys who for the most part struggled against the Packers. If the issues with the second and third-team offensive line continues, this would be an area I’d like to see the Broncos’ Brass be diligent in upgrading via the waiver wire or even a trade if need be.
Wide Receiver — Who separates themselves from the pack?
The Denver Broncos are most certainly going to keep Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and Josh Reynolds as their ‘Big 3’ at wide receiver for the 2024 campaign. Their size and physicality will be an important aspect in the passing game as well as providing blocking prowess to propel their rushing attack.
By virtue of their draft stock and certainly not their preseason play which can be best described as M.I.A.—Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin will make the squad. Fourth-round picks have been cut before, but I find it highly unlikely Denver would part ways with Franklin considering they had a second-round grade on him in addition to his chemistry with Nix.
So, the real battle is at number six.
On one hand there is Lil’Jordan Humphrey who made some big plays last year and knows Payton’s system. On the other is Brandon Johnson, who has a lot of talent and made the most of his late-season reps during Denver’s 2023 campaign. However, a significant wrench was thrown into their roster making plans with the rise of seventh-round rookie Devaughn Vele who has been one of the team’s camp superstars.
In my opinion, this might be the most interesting storyline to watch. My bet is on Vele.
The Secondary Shakeup — Rounding out the final 53-man roster
Last year, the Broncos kept twelve defensive backs on their final roster. I’d expect that number to be one less this year. My preference would be to give an extra spot to the defensive line spot which only had five players making the final roster last season.
Patrick Surtain II, Ja’Quan McMillian, Levi Wallance, Damarri Mathis, Riley Moss and Kris Abrams-Draine are the top six on my cornerback list. Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, and J.L. Skinner would be the top three at safety. That’s nine total with two spots left if I’m right in my assumption they will only keep eleven in the secondary. Who snags the final two spots?
Last year they kept six players at safety, but I think this year it’s only five. Devon Key has been a standout camp performer who has been lauded by the defensive coaching staff for his progress. Additionally, Keidron Smith has made impact plays with interceptions in both preseason games. Right now, I’d say they both deserve to make it.
That would leave Tremon Smith facing a pink slip with a potential $2.5 million in cap space by doing so. He is the backup returner and would be the seventh cornerback on the roster. He has earned some praise for his special team abilities as a gunner, but I would rather the Broncos keep both Key and Smith
The Broncos’ Stables of Backs — Tough cuts are upon the horizon
Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime seem likely to be the trio of backs the Broncos will keep on their final roster in addition to fullback Michael Burton. That means veteran Samaje Perine, undrafted rookie free agent Blake Watson, and practice squad stalwart Tylier Badie are on the outside looking in.
The preseason finale against the Cardinals will be their final opportunity to make a case for the final roster. Perine was arguably the team’s best running back last year, but the team saves $3 million in cap space by parting ways. While the Broncos thought a lot of Watson and he earned one of the highest UDFA contracts in all of football, he hasn’t shown enough to earn a spot.
I suppose there is a slim chance Denver would keep five backs on their roster, but that seems like overkill from a team building perspective. My guess is that Perine is cut and both Watson and Badie make the practice squad.
