In a surprising move, the Denver Broncos have waived tight end Justin Joly, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision has drawn attention as it marks the first time since 2005 that the Broncos have released a rookie drafted so high, raising eyebrows across the league.
Heading into the preseason finale last Friday, there were already whispers regarding Joly's standing on the roster. Despite being a fifth-round pick, the expectation was that the Broncos would allow him more time to develop. However, Joly's performance during the game, highlighted by an impressive 88-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, did not seem to sway the team's decision-makers.
In the modern NFL, it is uncommon for teams to part ways with players selected in the early rounds of the draft so quickly. General managers often prefer to give these players a chance to prove their worth, as admitting a drafting error can be detrimental to their reputation. Nevertheless, the Broncos decided to move on from Joly, indicating that they felt he was not ready for an active roster spot.
This decision is particularly notable given the Broncos' history. The last instance of a player drafted in the fifth round or higher being cut so soon was in 2005 when the team selected Maurice Clarett in the third round. Clarett's tumultuous journey led to his release before he could even take the field in a regular-season game, making Joly's situation a rare occurrence in Broncos' history.
Joly was selected with the No. 152 overall pick, making him the highest-drafted rookie to be waived by the Broncos since Clarett. The team's decision to cut him has raised questions about their evaluation process and roster management strategies, especially considering the potential he showed in the preseason.
After being waived, Joly did not remain a free agent for long. He was quickly claimed by the Miami Dolphins, who are currently led by former Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich. This move indicates that the Dolphins see potential in Joly, and he may have an opportunity to contribute to their roster moving forward.
While Joly's 88-yard touchdown catch seemed to solidify his chances of making the Broncos' roster, it ultimately did not change the team's course of action. The Broncos may have already made their decision regarding his future before that performance, highlighting the complexities of roster decisions in the NFL.
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