Broncos Waive WR Josh Reynolds Amid Roster Deadline Drama

Broncos Waive WR Josh Reynolds Amid Roster Deadline Drama

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos made a surprising move on Tuesday, waiving eighth-year wide receiver Josh Reynolds as they faced a critical roster deadline. Reynolds, who had been designated to return from injured reserve on Nov. 13, was at a crossroads: either be activated to the 53-player roster or remain on injured reserve. The Broncos ultimately decided to part ways with the veteran wideout.

Reynolds’ release comes as the Broncos continue to lean on their younger talent at the receiver position. With rookies stepping up and Marvin Mims Jr. thriving in his second year, the team opted to waive Reynolds rather than make room for him on the active roster. However, this may not be the end of the road for Reynolds in Denver. If he clears waivers on Wednesday and goes unclaimed by another team, the Broncos could bring him back to their practice squad. If not, Reynolds will become a free agent, free to sign with any team in the league.

Reynolds’ Short-Lived Tenure in Denver

Reynolds joined the Broncos in March, signing a two-year, $9 million deal in free agency. Unfortunately, his time in Denver has been marred by injuries and off-field incidents. In five games this season, Reynolds recorded 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown. His lone touchdown came on Oct. 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, a play that also resulted in a fractured finger, sidelining him for weeks. Despite his limited contributions, the Broncos are still on the hook for $4.245 million in guaranteed money for Reynolds’ brief stint with the team.

Reynolds’ return to practice on Nov. 13 initially seemed like a positive step forward. Broncos head coach Sean Payton even remarked that it was “good to have [Reynolds] back” as the team began the 21-day window to evaluate his readiness. However, the emergence of rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin ultimately made Reynolds expendable. Vele, in particular, has been a standout, ranking second among the team’s wide receivers with 33 catches for 377 yards this season.

Youth Movement in Denver

The Broncos’ decision to waive Reynolds highlights their commitment to developing younger players. Mims, who had his second career 100-yard receiving game in Monday night’s win over the Cleveland Browns, continues to shine. His 93-yard catch-and-run touchdown in that game was the Broncos’ longest scoring play of the season, showcasing his big-play potential. With Mims, Vele, and Franklin all making significant contributions, the Broncos appear to be building a dynamic, youthful receiving corps for the future.

Off-Field Challenges

Reynolds’ time in Denver has not been without controversy. In addition to his injury struggles, Reynolds was one of two men injured in a shooting in Denver in October. According to police, Reynolds suffered “non-life-threatening” injuries to his head and left arm. The incident led to the arrests of Burr Charlesworth, 42, and Luis Mendoza, 35, who were charged with six counts of first-degree attempted murder, six counts of first-degree assault, and other felonies. Reynolds has not spoken publicly about the shooting, and it remains unclear how the incident may have impacted his season.

What’s Next for Reynolds?

As Reynolds awaits the waiver process, his future in the NFL hangs in the balance. Will another team take a chance on the veteran receiver, or will he find his way back to Denver’s practice squad? For now, the Broncos seem content to move forward with their young core, leaving Reynolds to ponder his next move.

Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

• Josh Reynolds was waived by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday.
• Reynolds had 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown in five games this season.
• The Broncos are prioritizing younger receivers like Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin.
• Reynolds signed a two-year, $9 million deal in March but will still receive $4.245 million guaranteed.
• Reynolds was injured in a shooting in October but has not spoken publicly about the incident.

As the Broncos continue their push for a playoff spot, the decision to waive Reynolds underscores the team’s focus on the future. Whether Reynolds finds a new home or returns to Denver in a different capacity, his journey this season has been anything but ordinary.