5 Broncos Veterans Set to Be Cut from Roster Next Season After Head Coach Sean Payton Submits Release Requests to Ensure Competitiveness and Rebuild for Championship Run

DENVER — After a season that brought the Broncos within reach of the Super Bowl, Denver enters the offseason determined not just to maintain momentum, but to elevate the roster. Head coach Sean Payton has reportedly submitted a reduction plan designed to preserve long-term competitiveness and restructure the team for another championship push. That reality means several familiar veteran faces may not return next season.

Justin Strnad | Linebacker
Strnad accepted short-term deals in back-to-back seasons and provided steady contributions on defense. However, he is now seeking long-term security and a guaranteed starting role. Denver may not be in position to offer that. With Alex Singleton still in the picture and younger linebackers developing behind them, Strnad could be headed for a new opportunity elsewhere.

John Franklin-Myers | Defensive Line
Franklin-Myers played a key role along the defensive front, but the Broncos did not pursue an in-season extension in 2025 — a telling sign. His projected market value is expected to rise significantly, and Denver may be unwilling to match outside offers while prioritizing other financial commitments.

Michael Burton | Fullback
A longtime Payton favorite dating back to their New Orleans days, Burton once held an important role in the system. But injuries opened the door for Adam Prentice, who delivered an outstanding season. With age and durability factors in play, Prentice may represent the more sustainable long-term option.

Sam Ehlinger | Quarterback
Ehlinger provided depth at quarterback and impressed during preseason action. However, with Bo Nix viewed as the franchise future and the Broncos likely to explore developmental quarterbacks in the draft, Ehlinger may seek a clearer path to playing time elsewhere.

Sam Mustipher | Center
Mustipher stepped in admirably when injuries hit the offensive line and delivered reliable snaps during a critical stretch. Yet with Luke Wattenberg extended and Alex Forsyth still under contract, roster space at center could be limited.

The offseason inevitably brings difficult decisions. For the Broncos, coming so close to the Super Bowl reinforces the need for calculated moves and disciplined planning. Parting ways with certain veterans is not a sign of decline — it is a strategic step to keep the championship window open.