The Denver Broncos released former Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Matt Henningsen on Tuesday. The news came as the Broncos cut their roster to the required 53 players before the 2024 season begins.
Henningsen had been a dependable reserve defensive lineman for the Broncos since they selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He played in every game for the team in 2022 and 2023, totaling 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and one sack.
Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger to make an NFL 53-man roster entering 2024 regular season
The former Badger had reportedly slipped on the depth chart entering 2024. He only recorded five tackles in limited preseason action.
The Broncos enter the 2024 season with a defensive line group of Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Jackson, Malcolm Roach and Eyioma Uwazurike.
Henningsen should be an attractive practice squad candidate given his experience in the league. That is if he clears waivers. Other NFL teams are sure to be in search of veteran depth along the defensive line.
#Broncos waived DL Matt Henningsen, source said.
A 2022 sixth-round pick who appeared in every game the past two seasons. Was mostly with the deeper reserve groups through camp this summer, though.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 27, 2024
Henningsen played four years at Wisconsin (2018-2021). He was a critical piece of the Badgers’ record-setting 2021 defense. The lineman’s final college career numbers include 91 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four pass deflections and two defensive touchdowns.
We’ll monitor the NFL transaction wire as waivers clear in the coming days. It would be a surprise if Henningsen does not find a spot on an NFL roster entering the season.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.