The Denver Broncos’ 2025 campaign ended just one win shy of the Super Bowl, falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. It was a season that reignited belief in Denver, with a roster that proved it could hang with the best in the conference. But now, the focus shifts to the offseason - and while the NFL Draft and free agency will grab headlines, the first moves are already underway behind the scenes.
One of the early steps in shaping the 2026 roster involves decisions on practice squad players. These are the players who filled out the depth chart, provided scout-team looks, and stayed ready in case their number was called.
Some earned reserve/future contracts - essentially a ticket to compete in the offseason program. Others, however, are now headed to free agency.
The Broncos opted not to extend future deals to 10 players from the practice squad, meaning their time in Denver has come to a close - at least for now.
Let’s take a closer look at the group of players hitting the open market.
Elijah Moore, WR
After being released midseason by the Buffalo Bills, Moore landed in Denver as a late-season addition to the practice squad.
He was elevated to the active roster during the postseason, when injuries thinned the wide receiver depth chart. Moore’s only catch in a Broncos uniform came in the AFC title game - a four-yard grab in the loss to New England.
It's a small sample, but it underscores how quickly things can change in the NFL. For Moore, the next opportunity will have to come elsewhere.
Michael Bandy, WR
Bandy’s release is a bit more surprising.
He’s been a familiar face in Denver over the past two seasons, bouncing between the practice squad and game-day elevations. This year, he made the most of limited chances, catching four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
While that production isn’t eye-popping, it showed he could contribute when called upon. Still, the Broncos are moving in a different direction at wideout.
Kyrese Rowan, WR
An undrafted rookie out of Utah State, Rowan spent the entire season on the practice squad.
He never cracked the active roster, and it appears the Broncos didn’t see enough development to warrant another look. It’s a tough break for a young player trying to carve out a role, but that’s life on the fringe of an NFL roster.
Brandon Johnson, WR
Johnson’s second stint in Denver was brief.
Brought back ahead of the AFC Championship Game as an emergency option, he didn’t see game action. Injuries to Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant opened the door, but Johnson remained a depth piece and nothing more.
Now, he’ll look for his next opportunity elsewhere.
Ben DiNucci, QB
DiNucci was another emergency addition late in the postseason, signed after the Broncos lost to Buffalo in the Divisional Round.
He served as the third quarterback on the depth chart but never saw the field. His release signals that Denver is likely looking to reset its QB room behind the starter heading into the offseason.
Marcedes Lewis, TE
At 41, Lewis made NFL history this season when he became the oldest tight end ever to play in a game.
That alone is a testament to his longevity and professionalism. He was elevated from the practice squad for one game, adding yet another chapter to a remarkable 20-year career.
With no new deal in place, all signs point toward retirement for the veteran - and what a run it’s been.
Patrick Murtagh, TE
Murtagh joined the team through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program and spent the entire year on the practice squad.
That’s now three different teams in as many years for the Australian tight end, who will be looking for a fresh start in 2026. His journey speaks to the challenges international players face in establishing themselves in the league.
Geron Christian, OL
Signed in November to bolster offensive line depth, Christian didn’t appear in any games for the Broncos. The former third-round pick has now been with eight different NFL teams, and while his experience is valuable, Denver is opting to go younger or in a different direction along the line.
Tanner McCalister, S
McCalister’s 2025 season was a roller coaster.
Waived in June, he rejoined the Broncos in January as a practice squad addition. He also spent time with the Jets and Chiefs during the year.
Now back on the market, the former Ohio State safety will be looking to land in a system that can give him a clearer path to the field.
Delarrin Turner-Yell, S
A fifth-round pick in 2022, Turner-Yell’s time in Denver appears to be over.
After nearly two years away from game action, he returned to the field this season - only to suffer a knee injury that landed him on the practice squad injured list. It’s been a tough stretch for the safety, whose career has been hampered by injuries.
Whether another team gives him a shot likely depends on his health and ability to stay on the field.
These are the kinds of moves that rarely make headlines but quietly shape the back end of a roster. For the Broncos, trimming the practice squad is just the first domino in what figures to be a busy offseason.
With a strong core already in place and a deep playoff run under their belt, Denver will be looking to reload, not rebuild. And for the 10 players now headed to free agency, the hope is that another opportunity - another shot - is waiting just around the corner.