Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton
The Denver Broncos made a notable roster move last week, waiving veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds, just as the team emerged from its bye week. For a player who had been a steady contributor earlier in the season, his sudden departure raised eyebrows. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton was quick to clarify that the decision was purely a business move, not a personal one.
“From a roster management standpoint with Josh, it just became a numbers game,” Payton explained on Monday. “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.”
For the Broncos, the move makes sense in the context of a roster that’s been in flux due to injuries and changing performance levels. Reynolds, a reliable veteran, had been sidelined due to a hand injury, and there were lingering effects from an October shooting in which he was a victim. Despite this, Reynolds’ production—183 yards and one touchdown on 12 catches through five games—didn’t justify keeping him on the roster as Denver’s offense evolved.
Why the Move Makes Sense
While the timing of Reynolds’ release might seem abrupt, it’s a classic case of “roster management” in the NFL, where injuries, performance, and roster spots dictate decisions. With key players returning from injured reserve and younger talent stepping up, Denver’s offensive philosophy has shifted.
Reynolds, who came to Denver with expectations of making an impact, increasingly found himself on the outside looking in. The emergence of younger receivers like Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin has made it easier for the Broncos to part ways with the veteran. Reynolds’ absence also opened up opportunities for Mims, who made a significant impact in Week 13. In Denver’s impressive win over Cleveland, Mims scored a 93-yard touchdown and led the team in receiving yards, signaling the changing of the guard at wide receiver.
What’s Next for Reynolds?
On December 4, Reynolds was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking the next chapter of his NFL career. His departure from Denver wasn’t marred by any bitterness, as he expressed gratitude for his time with the Broncos. In a social media post following the release, Reynolds wrote, “I just wanted to give thanks to the Broncos Country for accepting me into a top-notch organization and giving me a chance to ball. I wish nothing [but the] best for the team and my guys I grinded with all year.”
While Reynolds’ tenure in Denver was short, it was impactful. His experience, work ethic, and leadership helped the team through some challenging moments, especially as the Broncos navigated injuries and a tough start to the season.
The Young Guns Rising in Denver
With Reynolds out of the picture, the Broncos’ focus shifts to the younger receivers who’ve been steadily earning more playing time. Mims has flashed big-play potential all year, and his Week 13 performance—highlighted by that long touchdown catch—illustrates just how dynamic he can be. Vele, another promising rookie, has been making strides, and Franklin is showing signs of becoming a key piece of the future. Together, they represent the future of the Broncos’ receiving corps, with Courtland Sutton serving as the seasoned veteran in the mix.
The decision to part ways with Reynolds might have seemed harsh, but in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, it’s the nature of the business. Players come and go, and the focus for Denver now turns toward developing its young talent. Whether this roster shake-up will prove to be the right move for the Broncos remains to be seen, but with the rise of players like Mims, the future seems bright.
And as Payton said, “The beat goes on.”
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