The Denver Broncos have looked terrific in two preseason games, building the kind of momentum most expected them to take into the 2025 regular season. With one preseason game left on the slate, the coaching staff is going to be faced with some tough decisions.
The Broncos have a deep roster and are inevitably going to have to cut players they don't want to part with. In many cases, they will be able to add those players back to the practice squad once they clear waivers, but others could easily be claimed by other teams before they get that chance.
The Broncos need to find a way to keep these four players on this year's squad — whether that be on the 53-man roster or practice squad — as they could be big pieces in the future.
Courtney Jackson, WR
The Broncos are deep at wide receiver, and there is not going to be enough room to keep Courtney Jackson, but he is a player the team will have to hope slips through the cracks of the waiver wire so he can be brought back on the practice squad.
Jackson seems to be brimming with untapped potential, and he can be a huge asset in the return game.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
It would seem like a terrible move to only keep three running backs and cut Jaleel McLaughlin in the process, but that is the talk going around the media world inside Broncos Country.
That talk suggests that the team is so high on Tyler Badie that he will be the team's No. 3 running back in 2025, but that seems like a borderline horrible decision.
McLaughlin is the perfect change of pace back for this team and has plenty more to offer.
Jaleel McLaughlin breaks free for 35 yards 💨
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fc04J2QooS
If you ask me, it would be roster-building malpractice to cut this man.
Ja'Quan McMillian, CB
I am on the record as saying that the Broncos should not cut or trade Ja'Quan McMillian, despite drafting Jahdae Barron in the first round.
McMillian is likely going to make this year's team, but the Broncos could still entertain a trade and keep a guy like Damarri Mathis instead, which would be a bad decision.
Clay Webb, OL
The Broncos got a potential steal with undrafted free agent Clay Webb, but there likely won't be a spot on this roster for him, though the season-ending injury suffered by Nick Gargiulo does increase his odds.
Still, he will likely be cut, but hopefully, the Broncos can get him back on the practice squad immediately after.
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