Every year towards the end of the preseason, teams in the NFL face some tough choices when it comes to forming their 53-man roster. This one will be no different for the Denver Broncos.
If the team decides to keep all three of its quarterbacks, something that is a strong possibility, there would be at least one player who would otherwise make the team that was instead sent packing.
I would be extremely surprised if the Broncos DIDN'T carry all 3 QBs this year.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 21, 2024
Many teams in the league want to have a certain number of offensive linemen, defensive backs, wide receivers, etc. and that is why they only keep two quarterbacks. However, the Broncos have a situation with a rookie being named the starting quarterback and two capable veterans behind him. They could keep both Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for added support if things go south or they could have some pretty attractive trade bait for a team that has a quarterback go down to injury. Look no further than last season for an idea of how likely that is to happen.
With that in mind, if the team does indeed keep all three quarterbacks, these players could find themselves on the wrong side of the line on cutdown day.
Broncos may part with one of these players if they keep 3 QBs
Damarri Mathis, Cornerback
Damarri Mathis has had a tumultuous tenure with the team after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022 and it seems he has lost the competition to be one of the team's starting cornerbacks to Riley Moss.
With Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian joining Pat Surtain III as the projected starters, Mathis is hoping for a depth role. But fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine is going to make the team and veteran Levi Wallace likely will too.
Tremon Smith, Cornerback
Tremon Smith will not make this team as a defensive back. His specialty is special teams but it seems to be a tough sell to keep a guy like him when the numbers are going to be crunched like they will.
I didn't think he should have made the team last year and I definitely don't this year.
Alex Palczewski, Offensive Tackle
At one point this summer, Alex Palczewski seemed like a lock to make the team. But after getting a couple of penalties called against him in the Packers game last week, he stood out for the wrong reasons.
The Broncos should keep nine offensive linemen. Emphasis on the word should. But when you keep three quarterbacks, you have to take from one of the other position groups. If they only keep eight offensive linemen, Palczweski could be the odd man out.
Michael Burton, Fullback
This may seem like a surprise, but the Broncos also have Nate Adkins. While Burton is a better blocking fullback, Adkins can play the position and he can also chip in at his natural position, tight end. Adkins is a solid blocker himself and is seven years younger than Burton.
It wouldn't be as crazy as you may think for the Broncos to keep Adkins and let Burton walk.
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