Tuesday is the deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters as the 53-man deadline approaches. In Denver, a longtime journeyman quarterback appears to have been a victim of the latest round of cuts.
Per 9News’ Mike Klis, the Broncos have decided to cut quarterback Josh Johnson. It’s considered notable as he was expected to end up as the backup to new Denver starter Russell Wilson.
Backup QB battle: Denver Broncos release Josh Johnson https://t.co/YUCsBDcTBS via @9NEWS #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 30, 2022
Johnson took most of the second-string snaps in OTAs and then took most of the No. 2 reps during training camp. He started the first two preseason games for the Broncos and put up strong numbers, going 16 of 23 for 172 yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys.
However, later in the preseason, Brett Rypien emerged as a viable option after throwing 22 of 26 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. Rypien then earned a start in the final preseason game and appeared to do enough to supplant Johnson.
The 36-year-old is a true journeyman quarterback, having signed with 13 NFL franchises over the years, not to mention stints with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League and the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football. In his NFL career, he’s appeared in 37 games, starting nine, and compiled 2,270 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Johnson becomes a free agent but Klis says the Broncos hope to sign him to their practice squad on Wednesday if he hasn’t been signed elsewhere.
