3 Broncos Vets On Notice After 18-17 Preseason Loss to Cardinals

If one was to sum up the Denver Broncos' preseason opener vs. the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, it would be that Sean Payton's team, overall, is a work in progress.

The good news is that the Broncos' starting defense played well, and the special teams coverage on returns was better. However, the Broncos' first-team offense took longer than fans may have liked to find a rhythm, plus missed field goals and some sloppy defense down the stretch led to the 18-17 loss.

While Broncos on the roster bubble needed to leave a good impression, the same can be said for the veterans, some of whose future in 2023 and beyond could be in doubt.

Let's look at a trio of Broncos veterans who either didn't play as well as expected or who might have some younger players ready to take their spot if they continue to stand out.

Garett Bolles | OT

After his 2022 season ended because of a broken leg, some wondered whether Bolles would be able to come back from it. His leg has healed, and his performance on Friday night wasn't a good outing.

Bolles struggled with pass protection throughout the game, and his run blocking wasn't where it has been in the past. While it's possible he is rusty, it does raise questions about his long-term future.

Bolles has just $2 million in fully guaranteed salary for 2023, but it would be a surprise if he's cut. However, in 2024, with the Broncos projected to be over the salary cap and Bolles due $15.75M in base salary, plus a $250K per-game roster bonus, he needs to get back on track to justify staying beyond 2023.

Time will tell whether Bolles settles down and plays better, but right now, it's a concern.

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Brett Maher | K

After cutting Brandon McManus back in late May, the Broncos added Maher and Elliott Fry to compete for the kicker job. Neither one exactly stood out on Friday night, but Maher was arguably the one with more to lose.

Maher missed one field goal attempt and had another blocked, while Fry missed one but made another. Between the two, it's Maher who is due the bigger salary.

Maher is due a $1.08M base salary, while Fry is due just $750K. Although Maher did receive a $52K signing bonus, it's not enough for the Broncos to justify keeping him amid missed field goals.

Maher's performance in the playoffs with the Dallas Cowboys, which featured multiple missed extra points, might get talked about too much, but if he can't do a better job with the kicking game overall, the Broncos won't hesitate to cut him.

K'Waun Williams | CB

Williams has had a good training camp, but he didn't play in preseason Game 1. And the handful of nickel cornerbacks who played in his stead stood out.

Ja'Quan McMillian, for instance, played well on defense and was really good on special teams. Essang Bassey came through with an interception, and Delonte Hood had multiple tackles.

In Williams' case, it may not be so much about what he's doing or not doing, but rather, how the younger, cheaper players are doing better. The Broncos could save $2.1M in cash by cutting Williams. Bassey, McMllian, and Hood are all due less money.

To be clear, it's not a given that Williams will be cut. Younger cornerbacks on the roster have two more games to make an impression, and if those previously mentioned don't follow up, they would be the ones who may not make the final cut.

But if one or more continue to impress, the Broncos will have tough decisions ahead, and Williams might find himself on the bubble.

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