The Denver Broncos walked into 2026 with a clear mission: build around Bo Nix and don’t waste a second of his rookie-contract window. Sean Payton and GM George Paton spent the offseason acting like a team that knows its window is open right now. They traded for Miami’s Jaylen Waddle, brought back JK Dobbins, and re-signed key defensive pieces like Alex Singleton and Matt Henningsen. The result is a roster that’s suddenly deep and competitive at almost every spot.
That’s good for the team’s Super Bowl hopes. It’s brutal for a few guys who might have felt safe a year ago.
Mandatory minicamp gave us the first real look at who’s rising and who’s sliding. Three players in particular look like they’re staring down a pink slip before training camp even heats up.
Sam Ehlinger
When Denver signed Ehlinger early in the offseason, it looked like a simple veteran backup move. Dude played at Texas, he’s mobile, he’s professional. Perfect third quarterback insurance, right?
Not so fast. Jarrett Stidham has looked noticeably sharper in Payton’s system during spring workouts and minicamp. He knows the offense, he’s decisive, and he’s locked down the No. 2 job for now. That leaves Ehlinger fighting for a third QB spot that the Broncos might not want to carry.
Some teams keep three quarterbacks. Most don’t, because that roster spot matters elsewhere. Unless Ehlinger blows the doors off in training camp, Denver could decide the roster flexibility is worth more than his clipboard. (And honestly, if Stidham is healthy, is Ehlinger ever playing meaningful snaps?)
Marvin Mims Jr.
Remember when Mims looked like a building block for this offense? That feels like a long time ago now. The addition of Waddle changes everything in that receiver room. Courtland Sutton is still the steady veteran presence. Waddle is the explosive speed threat. And the Broncos kept adding bodies behind them.
Mims still has value as a return man. That might save him. But Payton has never been a coach who keeps specialists around just because they can run back punts. He wants versatile offensive contributors who can win routes and block and be reliable when the ball comes their way.
Training camp will decide if Mims can be that guy or if he becomes a numbers casualty in a crowded room.
Tyler Badie
The Broncos running back room is quietly stacked. Dobbins is the lead dog with a nice contract. Jaleel McLaughlin is a fan favorite with juice. RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman are in the mix too. Payton has always preferred a lean backfield, usually carrying three or four guys max.
Badie has flashed at times in Denver. Coaches like his effort and versatility. But effort doesn’t earn a roster spot when the team has more proven options. He doesn’t have a specialized role the way some backs do, and he’s not making enough money to be protected from a cut.
The preseason games will be his best chance to show he can contribute as a runner, receiver, or special teams guy. If he can’t separate himself, the Broncos will likely keep someone with a clearer role and lower cost.
The hard part for Denver is that every cut hurts somewhere. But building a deep roster means making tough calls. For Ehlinger, Mims, and Badie, the next few weeks will determine whether they’re part of this team’s run or watching it from home.
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