Who makes the Broncos 53-man roster? 5 cuts to watch Friday
The Denver Broncos must shrink their 91-man roster to 53 players by Sunday's NFL cutdown deadline, with Sean Payton and George Paton facing bubble calls at tight end, both lines, linebacker and quarterback after Friday's preseason finale against Minnesota. Fifth-round tight end Justin Joly is among the unproven names behind Adam Trautman and Evan Engram still fighting for survival. Coach Payton said Bo Nix will not play in the finale, while Jarrett Stidham is set to start and Sam Ehlinger could handle as much as three quarters — giving Denver one last look before roughly 40 hours of roster decisions begin.
Key Takeaways
- Denver carries 91 players into the Vikings game thanks to punter Jeremy Crawshaw's international roster exemption, then must hit 53 by Sunday.
- Justin Joly, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull and injured Caleb Lohner headline a crowded tight end bubble behind Trautman and Engram.
- Defensive line depth (Jordan Jackson vs. Sai'Vion Jones), linebacker youth and the Stidham-Ehlinger QB2 race remain unresolved.
- Trade chatter surrounds Jarrett Stidham, Troy Franklin and Dondrea Tillman if roster math or outside offers shift Payton's plans.
- Teams often use the finale for roster gamesmanship — hiding waiver targets or showcasing trade candidates, as Denver did with Albert Okwuegbunam in 2023.
Who makes Denver's 53-man roster after the Vikings game?
The Broncos entered the week at 91 players after signing UFL pass rusher Ron Stone Jr., defensive lineman Israel Antwine and tackle Foster Sarell while waiving Hakeem Butler, Taylor Rapp and Kyre Duplessis, per Yahoo Sports. NFL rules allow 90 this time of year; Crawshaw's designated international player slot is the extra body.
By the time players leave the locker room Friday night, Denver will have about 40 hours until the Sunday 4 p.m. cutdown deadline, the Denver Post reported. Payton and Paton may also place up to two players on injured reserve with return designations, stash veterans on the practice squad after Monday's 11 a.m. deadline, or explore trades rather than lose depth on waivers.
Jonathon Cooper's legal situation adds uncertainty on the edge — Denver awaits NFL clarity ahead of his Monday arraignment on felony assault charges. For more NFL roster and viewing updates, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Will Justin Joly make the Broncos' tight end room?
Behind Trautman and Engram, Denver's tight end battle may come down to style preference and who the front office believes it can reclaim for the practice squad. Joly, a fifth-round pick, and seventh-rounder Dallen Bentley have had relatively quiet camps, while Nate Adkins offers versatility despite an injury-plagued 2025. Lucas Krull has been a regular here two seasons, and Caleb Lohner remains a wild card after missing camp with lower-body injuries — possibly an IR stash.
Payton raved about Lohner this spring, but with limited game tape, Denver may prioritize keeping Adkins or Krull if Joly clears waivers. The finale gives Joly one more chance to separate before Sunday's cuts.
Which bubble spots beyond tight end could decide cuts?
On the defensive line, Denver kept seven players a year ago and may again with rookie Tyler Onyedim replacing John Franklin-Myers. If the Broncos stay at six, veteran Jordan Jackson and second-year Sai'Vion Jones compete for the last spot — and one could become trade bait.
Offensive line injuries cloud the picture: Alex Forsyth and Frank Crum have missed time, while Calvin Throckmorton and Matt Peart could start on the practice squad. At linebacker, behind Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner, seventh-round Red Murdock and undrafted Taurean York vie for two or three spots. Stidham leads the QB2 race over Ehlinger, though Payton said Wednesday the No. 2 job was not finalized.
Which Broncos could be traded before Sunday's cutdown?
Sports Illustrated flagged three situational trade chips — not predictions, but names to monitor if Friday shifts roster math. Stidham, in a contract year, would free $4.5 million in cap space if cut, though the Broncos would likely shop him first; Ehlinger would need an undeniable performance to flip the backup job. Troy Franklin may slide to fifth receiver behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, making Denver receptive if another team calls. Dondrea Tillman, a productive rusher with nine sacks in two years, could move only if Que Robinson and Jonah Elliss earn more snaps — unless Cooper's discipline case forces Denver to keep Tillman's run-stopping value.
Payton also warned that strong finale stat lines can signal trade interest, recalling Albert Okwuegbunam's 2023 showcase before Denver shipped him to Philadelphia. Watch who plays — and who mysteriously rests — against Minnesota.
How can you watch the Broncos preseason finale?
Denver hosts Minnesota on Friday night at home in the preseason finale. With Nix and most starters expected to sit or play limited snaps, the broadcast is the last chance to evaluate bubble players like Justin Joly, Ehlinger and fringe linemen before Sunday's roster reckoning. Check local listings and league streaming options for kickoff times in your market.