Last week, the Denver Broncos cut veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds just before his deadline to return from injured reserve.
It was a somewhat surprising decision, but if the Broncos did not activate Reynolds to the 53-man roster, the two alternatives were cutting him or leaving him on IR for the rest of the season. By waiving him, Denver gave Reynolds an opportunity to continue playing in 2024, and he was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Coming out of the bye week, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s decision to waive Reynolds.
“From a roster management standpoint with Josh, it just became a numbers game,” Payton explained. “He’s done a great job. We would have liked to have been able to keep him, but as guys got healthy and came from injured reserve, we had to have space. Some of the younger guys have been playing well, and I wish him the best. He’s one of those guys that helped us get to where we’re at right now.”
Courtland Sutton remains the team’s No. 1 receiver with rookie Devaughn Vele is emerging as a promising No. 2. Lil’Jordan Humphrey is a key blocker, Marvin Mims has seen his role grow this season and Troy Franklin continues to develop. With a crowded WR room and other players returning from injuries, Denver did not have room for Reynolds.
Reynolds hauled in 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown in five games with the Broncos this season. He thanked the team on social media for his time in Denver after being cut last week.
Payton also recently spoke about the departure of linebacker Kwon Alexander. Last month, after the Broncos promoted linebacker Zach Cunningham from the practice squad to their active roster, Alexander joined the Detroit Lions’ active roster.
“I’m happy for Kwon,” Payton said on Nov. 30. “I had a good visit with him. We’ve been together before, and it’s a good opportunity for him, but we knew this was coming with Zach.”
Reynolds and Alexander will now get fresh starts in Jacksonville and Detroit, respectively, as the Broncos move forward with their in-house players.
