The Denver Broncos will open training camp ahead of the 2026 NFL season in just over one month. The team figures to have one of the most complete rosters in the league, making it a Super Bowl favorite heading into the season.
The Broncos have turned things around in a major way under head coach Sean Payton. After coming just short of playing in last year's Super Bowl, the team is on a mission to get there this season. But there could be some difficult decisions made when forming the 53-man roster, as several positions could be quite competitive.
The Broncos may have to part ways with some long-term veterans. Here are five guys who will have to prove they should still be in the team's plans.
Veteran Broncos players not guaranteed a roster spot in 2026
Lil'Jordan Humphrey, WR
Despite catching just 53 passes in three seasons with the Broncos, Lil'Jordan Humphrey continues to get opportunities as a favorite of Payton's, mostly due to his ability as a blocker. But the addition of Jaylen Waddle could push him off the team.
With Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant ahead of him in the pecking order, Humphrey will need to hope the team keeps six wide receivers on the 53-man roster or that a trade is made.
Even if the Broncos do keep six, UFL signing Hakeem Butler could beat Humphrey out for a spot.
Matt Peart, OL
The Broncos have a deep group along the offensive line. That includes the depth on the bench. Matt Peart, after spending most of last season injured, has fallen behind the likes of Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum and with the team using a fourth-round pick on Kage Casey out of Boise State, Peart's time on the roster could soon be coming to an end.
Nate Adkins, TE
It seems like it would be a poor decision for the Broncos to move on from Nate Adkins, one of the best pure blockers on the team, but the team now has a large group at the tight end position after using two Day 3 picks on tight ends, selecting Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley.
With last year's seventh-round choice, Caleb Lohner, expected to factor in this summer, there may not be much room for Adkins.
Mitchell Fraboni, LS
Mitchell Fraboni has been the Broncos' long snapper for the past four seasons and he signed a three-year contract extension last spring. However, he will have to deal with competition from undrafted free agent Luke Basso, a player capable of winning the job and costing less money.
Jarrett Stidham, QB
The Broncos felt they had one of the league's steadiest backup quarterbacks in Jarrett Stidham, but when pressed into action in last year's AFC Championship Game, he had his struggles.
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This summer, he will have to fend off Sam Ehlinger, and recent reports state that the competition between the two is close. If Stidham loses that competition, he most likely gets cut or traded.
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