LIVE NOW: Broncos release wide receiver from practice squad………
The Denver Broncos have released wide receiver Kaden Davis from their practice squad, the team announced Tuesday.Davis (6-1, 190 pounds) originally signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Northwest Missouri State in 2022. After spending part of his rookie season on Denver’s practice squad, Davis was cut in 2023. He then spent that spring playing for the Michigan Panthers in the USFL.
Following his stint in spring football, Davis spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions before returning to the Broncos last month. He spent just shy of three weeks on the team’s practice squad this season.
Denver now has two wide receivers remaining on the practice squad: Michael Bandy and David Sills.
The Broncos parted ways with Davis to make room for new running back Salvon Ahmed, who was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday. The team signed Ahmed to add more depth at running back after Tyler Badie suffered a back injury against the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos made a notable roster change this week, releasing wide receiver Kaden Davis from their practice squad, as announced by the team on Tuesday. This decision was likely a strategic move as the team continues to adjust and refine their roster mid-season. Davis’ journey through the NFL has been one of perseverance, filled with both opportunities and challenges, but ultimately, the Broncos decided to part ways with the young wideout after a brief stint this season.
Kaden Davis’ Journey
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 190 pounds, Kaden Davis began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent. Coming out of Northwest Missouri State in 2022, Davis was signed by the Broncos, joining the ranks of many undrafted talents who hope to find their footing in the highly competitive world of professional football. Although undrafted, Davis showcased his potential during workouts and training sessions, leading to his initial inclusion on the Broncos’ practice squad.
However, making it to the NFL is one thing; staying there is a different challenge. Despite his hard work, Davis was cut from the Broncos’ practice squad in 2023, an all-too-common occurrence for players trying to secure their place in the league. But instead of giving up, Davis looked for opportunities elsewhere, finding a temporary home in the USFL.
In the spring of 2023, Davis signed with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL, hoping to continue developing his skills and proving that he belonged at the professional level. The USFL, known for giving players a second chance to showcase their abilities, provided Davis with a platform to compete against other aspiring NFL players. While his performance wasn’t enough to earn a starting role in the NFL immediately after, it did keep him on the radar of several teams.
After his USFL stint, Davis had brief spells with the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. Both teams gave him a look, but his time with them was short-lived. Eventually, Davis found his way back to Denver, rejoining the Broncos’ practice squad in September 2023. His return to Denver was seen as a potential second chance to impress the coaching staff, but the reunion was brief. After just under three weeks with the team, Davis was once again released, marking another twist in his ongoing football journey.
Broncos’ Roster Changes
The decision to release Davis wasn’t made in isolation. The Broncos’ practice squad is a fluid roster, and teams often make adjustments to account for injuries, performance needs, or tactical changes. In this case, the release of Davis made room for the signing of running back Salvon Ahmed, whom the Broncos added to their practice squad to bolster their depth at the running back position. This move was necessitated after running back Tyler Badie suffered a back injury during the Broncos’ game against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Ahmed, who joins the Broncos after spending time with the Miami Dolphins, offers a different set of skills and much-needed depth at a position that has been hit by injuries. His experience in the NFL, combined with his speed and agility, make him a valuable addition to Denver’s practice squad. Given the demands of the running back position and the need for fresh legs throughout the season, Ahmed’s presence provides the Broncos with more flexibility, particularly in light of Badie’s injury.
For Davis, the release might be a temporary setback, but it’s far from the end of his professional career. Practice squad players, especially wide receivers, often find themselves in a cycle of releases and signings, as NFL teams constantly evaluate and retool their rosters. Davis’ time with Denver, the Cardinals, and the Lions, along with his stint in the USFL, shows that he’s a resilient player capable of bouncing back from setbacks. The NFL is full of stories of players who went undrafted or were cut multiple times before eventually finding success, and Davis could very well be one of those stories if he continues to work hard and wait for the right opportunity.
Remaining Wide Receivers on the Broncos’ Practice Squad
With Davis gone, the Broncos’ practice squad now has two remaining wide receivers: Michael Bandy and David Sills. Both players have their own unique stories and skill sets, making them key components of Denver’s depth chart.
Michael Bandy, a product of the University of San Diego, has built a reputation as a versatile receiver capable of playing both in the slot and outside. While not the biggest player on the field, standing at 5 feet 10 inches, Bandy makes up for it with his quickness, route-running ability, and football IQ. He’s proven to be a reliable target, particularly in short-to-intermediate routes, which could make him a valuable asset for the Broncos if they need to call him up to the active roster.
David Sills, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic. A taller receiver at 6 feet 3 inches, Sills has the size and catch radius that coaches often covet in red-zone situations. A former college quarterback at West Virginia, Sills transitioned to wide receiver during his college career and has since worked to refine his craft at the NFL level. Like Bandy, Sills is waiting for his opportunity to make an impact, and his size and experience make him a potential candidate for a call-up if the Broncos deal with injuries at the receiver position.
Looking Ahead for the Broncos
The release of Kaden Davis and the signing of Salvon Ahmed may seem like small moves in the grand scheme of an NFL season, but they reflect the constant adjustments that teams must make throughout the year. Injuries, performance, and strategy all play a role in how rosters are constructed, and every move can have a ripple effect on the team’s future games.
For Davis, his time with the Broncos may have ended for now, but his journey in professional football continues. Whether he returns to the USFL or catches on with another NFL team, Davis’ determination and perseverance will undoubtedly serve him well. As for the Broncos, the addition of Ahmed could help stabilize their running back room, giving them more depthas they navigate the rest of the season.
