Clayton: Paton makes tough decisions, as Broncos continue to tweak roster
Sep 1, 2021, 5:02 PM
George Paton was busy one day after the final cutdown to 53 players. The Broncos roster was still in motion on Wednesday.
They were able to re-sign right tackle Cameron Fleming and defensive tackle Shamar Stephen. With the exception of running back and special teams player Mike Boone, Paton was able to keep his entire free-agent class. Boone will start the season on injured reserve.
The latest edition of the 53-man roster features players who weren’t with the Broncos during training camp and the preseason. Denver claimed cornerback Mike Ford and running back Nate McCrary.
According to Vic Fangio, he liked what he gets with Ford. He calls him a good special teams player and a solid cornerback. After the third preseason game, Fangio wasn’t happy with the Broncos special teams plays, so that move wasn’t a surprise.
To make room on the roster, the Broncos made two tough decisions. They cut defensive lineman Jonathan Harris and running back Royce Freeman. As much as Fangio would like to add Freeman back to the already deep running back room, he predicted some team will claim him on waivers.
“We liked them both,: Fangio said about Freeman and Harris. “In Royce’s situation, he’s a guy we like. He’s always been dependable. It was a tough decision. Jonathan is a young defensive lineman who we thought was progressing. When you pick up guys, you can only limit 53. We had to cut somebody and those were the two we chose.”
Overall, Paton likes his team’s 53-man roster.
“I do like this football team,” Paton said. “I thought we had a nice preseason, a nice training camp led by Vic Fangio and the coaches, so I like the track we’re on. We’re excited for the regular season.”
