First-year Broncos that did not earn a second deal with team

Corliss Waitman, Punter

The Broncos claimed Corliss Waitman off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers last January and while that was a transaction that flew way under the radar, it was a move that potentially spelled a change at the punter position.

That would come to fruition just before the start of the regular season when the Broncos approached Sam Martin, the team's punter the previous two seasons, about a pay cut. Martin chose not to accept that and he was subsequently released in a cost-cutting move.

But as is the case in many situations, you often get what you pay for. Waitman did not kick the ball all that well for the Broncos and certainly not well enough to guarantee his roster spot in 2023.

The Broncos can bring in a punter through the undrafted signing process this spring to compete with Waitman for the job this coming season. Waitman averaged just 46.6 yards per punt last season (19th in the league) and only five punters in the league saw more yards in returns on their punts than him. That is not all on the punter, but it's certainly something that can be improved upon.

Kicking the ball in the thin air of the Mile High City is supposed to be an advantage but this is a position the Broncos have had a difficult time getting right in recent years with the likes of Waitman, Colby Wadman and Marquette King.

The Broncos need to find a better option here. Waitman will be an exclusive rights free agent meaning that the Broncos will have to tender him a contract for the upcoming season or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.