Report: Broncos cut a fifth-round tight end after tough camp, but long TD

Denver Broncos tight end Justin Joly had a huge play against the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.

But an 88-yard touchdown late in the preseason finale wasn’t enough to save his job.

According to 9NEWS and 104.3 The Fan insider Mike Klis, the Broncos are waiving Joly and exposing him to being claimed by other NFL teams. Joly was a fifth-round pick only a few months back.

A surprise: Per multiple sources, #Broncos have waived 5th-round rookie TE Justin Joly. He did struggle adjusting to NFL in training camp and clearly he could use a redshirt year.
But his talent was obvious on 88-yard catch-and-run TD Friday vs. Vikings. See if he clears…

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 30, 2026

This is a pretty stunning admission by GM George Paton that he got the Joly pick wrong. Yes, later round selections can get cut, but a fifth-rounder usually makes the 53-man roster heading into a rookie season.

Instead, we’ll see if another team claims Joly and puts him on their active roster. If not, perhaps the Broncos will look to sign him back to the practice squad.

A fresh start might be ideal for both sides, though, as Joly struggled in training camp and one big play didn’t change the minds of Paton and head coach Sean Payton.

Joly played his college football at both UConn and North Carolina State and finished last season with 49 catches and seven TDs for the Wolfpack. He was also the tight end MVP at the 2026 Senior Bowl.

For now, the Broncos still have Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull and Caleb Lohner at the tight end position, but cuts are rolling in. Engram and Trautman are safe, but we’ll see what Paton and Payton decide to do after that.

Tight end has been an issue in Denver for a long time — it won’t be Joly who eventually fills the void.

To follow all the Broncos’ cuts, click here.

Related

Report: Broncos carrying three QBs on 53-man roster, Ehlinger makes itBroncos edge rusher Cooper headed for commissioner’s exempt listThe Broncos don’t need a 1,000-yard rusher to have a great RB roomDenver Broncos 2026 cutdown trackerAfter up-and-down camp, Broncos tight end Joly closes preseason with a flourishTight end room makes a statement in the Broncos preseason finale