Broncos set 2026 roster, place Cooper on exempt list and retain three quarterbacks
Denver finalized its 53-man roster for the 2026 season, moving edge rusher Jonathon Cooper to the commissioner’s exempt list, keeping three quarterbacks, and waiving several draft picks, including rookie tight end Justin Joly.
Denver announced its initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season, noting that edge rusher Jonathon Cooper will be placed on the league’s commissioner’s exempt list while he faces pending domestic-violence charges. Cooper will not count against the roster, opening opportunities for third-year Jonah Elliss, second-year Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman to see increased playing time.
The Broncos also elected to carry three quarterbacks, retaining Sam Ehlinger after a strong preseason performance. General Manager George Paton said, "Sam is a big part of this quarterback room. We didn’t want to lose him, and we felt we were going to lose him. He’s too important to our team and just didn’t want to risk doing that. Obviously, the game he played the other night was outstanding. We love the room. We’re going to keep the room together."
Denver waived three members of its 2026 draft class: rookie tight end Justin Joly, defensive lineman Red Murdock and seventh-round defensive back Miles Scott. Paton explained the decision on Joly, stating the player was talented but raw and missed significant offseason work, adding that the team must make tough choices to build the best roster.
The moves leave the Broncos with a relatively thin edge-rusher group and a quarterback depth chart that includes Jarrett Stidham in the final year of his contract. The team may look to add depth via waivers, veteran signings or practice-squad elevations before the season opener.