Context:

The Denver Broncos are constructing a formidable roster in the AFC despite financial setbacks from the Russell Wilson contract. The addition of Bo Nix as a rookie quarterback has rejuvenated the team, leading them to the playoffs and reshaping their outlook. As the 2025 season approaches, some veteran players are at risk of being cut, including Adam Trautman, Alex Forsyth, Damarri Mathis, and Delarrin Turner-Yell, due to increased competition and new talent acquisitions. Trautman could be surpassed by newcomers like Evan Engram and Caleb Lohner, while Forsyth struggled in 2024, losing his starting center role. Mathis faces depth chart challenges after the selection of Jahdae Barron, and Turner-Yell is competing against players like P.J. Locke and Sam Franklin for a safety position.

Dive Deeper:

• The Denver Broncos, despite a significant financial hit from the Russell Wilson contract, have managed to build a competitive roster, aided by the promising performance of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who was drafted 12th overall in 2024 and led the team to the playoffs.

• Adam Trautman, a tight end who was previously favored by coach Sean Payton, may find his position challenged by the acquisition of Evan Engram and the presence of players like Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull, reducing his chances of making the 53-man roster.

• Offensive lineman Alex Forsyth had a disappointing 2024 season, failing to secure the starting center position, which was claimed by Luke Wattenberg; this struggle, along with a memorable poor performance against the Chiefs, jeopardizes his spot on the team.

• Cornerback Damarri Mathis faces increased competition following the selection of Jahdae Barron in the first round, which has tightened the cornerback position and may result in Mathis being cut from the roster.

• Safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, who missed the entire 2024 season, finds himself in a tough battle to retain his place, with P.J. Locke and Sam Franklin presenting significant competition for the safety spots on the team.

• The Denver Broncos are slowly building one of the best rosters in the AFC, which is impressive considering the dead money hit the team absorbed due to the Russell Wilson contract blunder.

• It was feared that the $85 million cap hit would set the Broncos back several years, a tough position for a team that had already gone several years without making the playoffs. But finding the right quarterback changed everything. The Broncos selected Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the rookie led them to the playoffs. 

• Now, the Broncos have an entirely new outlook. 

• My first 53-man roster prediction ahead of the 2025 season is available and though it doesn't feature many surprises, some long-term players could be in jeopardy of losing their spot on the roster. Here are four veterans who may not quite make the cut after the preseason slate concludes. 

• Denver Broncos 53-man roster prediction: Veterans who may be on the way out

  Adam Trautman, Tight End

• Adam Trautman has long been one of Sean Payton's guys, but the team was able to find a massive upgrade in free agency with Evan Engram. 

• Trautman is still a veteran presence but he's not as effective as a blocker as Nate Adkins is and doesn't have the potential upside that Lucas Krull has. Throw in seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner and Trautman, who has caught only 35 passes in two seasons in Denver, has his work cut out for him to stick around. 

• Alex Forysth, Offensive Lineman

• Alex Forsyth had a rough 2024 season after an offseason that seemed to have a lot of promise. 

• As a college teammate of Nix, it was assumed by many that his familiarity playing center with Nix would bode well as the team had a competition for a new starting center. Instead, it was Luke Wattenberg who beat Forsyth out, rather easily too. 

• It's also hard to shake this image of Forsyth getting bowled over at Arrowhead Stadium, leading to the blocked field goal that robbed the Broncos of their biggest win in years. 

• Damarri Mathis, Cornerback

• The Broncos were already solid at cornerback before using their first-round pick on Jahdae Barron, but that pick tightens things up even more. With Ja'Quan McMillian falling down the depth chart as a result of that selection, former fourth-round pick Damarri Mathis could fall off the roster. 

• Delarrin Turner-Yell, Safety

• One of the more interesting position groups to follow this summer for the Broncos will be the safety spot, where the team has a good competition lined up. 

• After missing the entire 2024 season, Delarrin Turner-Yell, who has only flashed on special teams during his career, will see guys like P.J. Locke and Sam Franklin blocking him from staying around. 

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