Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are now compliant with the NFL’s guidelines in terms of roster size, following their decision to part ways with a trio of players, including veteran outside linebacker Garrett Nelson.
Additionally, the Broncos severed ties with another veteran in Marques Cox and rookie free agent Sean Brown.
Nelson, though, may not be long for free agency.
Broncos Part Ways With Trio of Players
GettyGarrett Nelson was one of three players the Denver Broncos cut on Friday.
Nelson began his career with the Miami Dolphins. The veteran also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals (2023) and New Orleans Saints (2025), the latter coming between his stints with the Broncos.
Cox has never seen the field during a regular-season contest, either.
“#Broncos waiving offensive lineman Marques Cox and outside linebacker Garrett Nelson to create room for all the college free agents they’ve signed today,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X on May 8. “NFL offseason roster limit is 90 but they can have 91 due to punter Jeremy Crawshaw having international roster exemption.”
The move with Nelson was more of a procedural thing. Denver needed space for UDFAs.
The Broncos know what Nelson can do, despite his not seeing the field in an NFL regular-season game yet in his career.
Nelson has also spent time in the UFL, playing for the San Antonio Brahmas. The Broncos have experience going that route, finding backup pass rusher Dondrea Tillman following his successful stint with the Birmingham Stallions.
Former Broncos LB Garrett Nelson, WR Sean Brown Get Good News
GettyThe Denver Broncos could reunite with veteran Garrett Nelson and rookie Sean Brown.
Tomasson followed up soon after with a significant update regarding Nelson’s future with the Broncos.
“Source says OLB Garrett Nelson, waived today by the #Broncos, was told there’s a chance he could be brought back next week,” Tomasson said in the second post. “There’s the possibility that a college free agent or two could be cut after rookie minicamp.”
Brown’s situation received a pair of key updates.
“#Broncos’ ‘26 UDFA class is down to 13,” Evans posted on X. “Charlotte WR Sean Brown failed physical, said was due to still-healing [from surgery to repair] Jones fracture from Feb.”
9News’ Mike Klis followed up on X, corroborating the reporting that the Broncos were pivoting from Brown due to his injury, but also noting that they “Could revisit when he gets healthy” later this offseason.
“Brown had 71 catches, 978 yards combined the past two seasons for Charlotte.”
Broncos Roster Makeup Key to Shake-Up
GettyMarques Cox might be the odd man out of the Denver Broncos roster cuts.
Wide receiver has quickly become one of the Broncos’ deepest position groups, following their offseason trade for Jaylen Waddle.
They are certainly more top-heavy along their offensive line and at outside linebacker. That could explain the Broncos’ potential intentions to bring Nelson back, while also affording Brown time to heal.
Cox appears to be the odd man out in terms of follow-up updates.
He also seems like a potential candidate to return to the Broncos at some point this offseason, though, particularly if they suffer an injury.
For anyone in situations like Brown, Cox, and Nelson, a return to the Broncos could be dependent upon the rookie minicamp attendees at their respective positions failing to impress enough to stick on the roster.
Broncos Leave Door Open After Letting 3 Players Go in Roster Shake-Up