Getty Image / Ric Tapia
It’s cut down day in the NFL today, which means we’re going to see quite a few interesting names hit the free agent market over the coming hours.
Some of those interesting cuts have come early on in the day, with the Denver Broncos cutting one of the most notable names so far.
According to Broncos reporter Mike Klis, the team has decided to waive tight end Albert Okwuegbunam.
Per source, Broncos are waiving TE Albert Okwuegbunam. Great final preseason game and good final two weeks of camp but again, TE position is deep (Trautman, Dulcich, Manhertz, maybe Adkins). #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 29, 2023
At this time lsat year, Okwuegbunam was a very popular breakout candidate among football fans.
When he was drafted in the 4th round by the Denver Broncos, Okwuegbunam was facing an uphill battle to earn playing time.
He was stuck behind Noah Fant, who was a much more highly-touted prospect that the Broncos had taken in round 1 a year earlier.
His spot on the depth chart led to a limited role as a rookie, but he was able to make a pretty big leap in his 2nd year. He had 33 catches for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his 2nd season.
Then a big opportunity opened up for him. The Broncos traded Fant to the Seahawks in a deal that brought Russell Wilson to Denver.
Between the opening at the top of the depth chart and the addition of a QB that loves to target tight ends, fans were expecting him to step up.
It didn’t happen. He made just 10 catches for 95 yards last season and was usurped by Greg Dulcich on the depth chart.
This offseason, the Broncos drafted Nate Adkins and brought in Chris Manhertz and Adam Trautman in moves that made the tight end position pretty crowded in Denver.
Albert Okwuegbunam was dominant in his last appearance for the Denver Broncos, making 7 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.
That performance could entice another team to take a chance on him, but it is definitely safe to say that he never managed to live up to the hype in Denver.