Tag: Mike Purcell

33 ex-Broncos players cut by NFL teams this week

Thirty-four former Broncos players were cut this week, including Caden Sterns, Kareem Jackson, KJ Hamler, Mike Purcell and Brett Rypien.

After more than 1,000 transactions over the last few days, NFL teams set their initial 53-man rosters on Tuesday afternoon.

Leading up to Tuesday’s roster deadline, 33 former Denver Broncos players were cut by NFL teams. Here’s a quick list of those players.

  1. QB Ben DiNucci (Buffalo Bills)
  2. QB Brett Rypien (Chicago Bears)
  3. RB Mike Boone (Carolina Panthers)
  4. RB Nate McCrary (Minnesota Vikings)
  5. FB Andrew Beck (Houston Texans)
  6. TE TE​ Eric Saubert (San Francisco 49ers)
  7. WR KJ Hamler (Buffalo Bills)
  8. WR Tyrie Cleveland (Indianapolis Colts)
  9. WR Seth Williams (Jacksonville Jaguars)
  10. WR Kaden Davis (Detroit Lions)
  11. OL OL Elijah Wilkinson (Arizona Cardinals)
  12. G Zack Johnson (Cleveland Browns)
  13. OL John Leglue (Atlanta Falcons)
  14. OL Sebastian Gutierrez (San Francisco 49ers)
  15. OL Henry Byrd (Minnesota Vikings)
  16. DL Mike Purcell (New England Patriots)
  17. DL Marquiss Spencer (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  18. DT McTelvin Agim (Houston Texans)
  19. DL P.J. Mustipher (Philadelphia Eagles)
  20. DL Jonathan Harris (Miami Dolphins)
  21. DL Haggai Ndubuisi (Washington Commanders)
  22. DE Justin Hollins (Washington Commanders)
  23. OLB Randy Gregory (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  24. CB Essang Bassey (Detroit Lions)
  25. CB Lamar Jackson (Carolina Panthers)
  26. CB Faion Hicks (Cleveland Browns)
  27. CB Delonte Hood (Arizona Cardinals)
  28. CB Michael Ojemudia (Arizona Cardinals)
  29. CB Mac McCain (New Orleans Saints)
  30. CB Mike Ford (Houston Texans)
  31. DB Kareem Jackson (Buffalo Bills)
  32. DB Caden Sterns (Philadelphia Eagles)
  33. P Corliss Waitman (Chicago Bears)

Some of the players listed above could return to the team that cut them on the practice squad. Later today, we will track Denver’s own practice squad signings after waiver claims are processed on Broncos Wire.

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Patriots cut ex-Broncos defensive lineman ahead of preseason finale

Former Broncos defensive lineman Mike Purcell, 33, was cut by the Patriots this week.

The New England Patriots released veteran defensive lineman Mike Purcell on Wednesday ahead of their preseason finale against the Washington Commanders this weekend.

Purcell (6-3, 328 pounds) has had quite a football journey. He entered the NFL as a college free agent out of Wyoming with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. After four years in San Francisco, Purcell had brief stints with four teams in 2017 before eventually joining the Kansas City Chiefs.

Purcell spent part of two years in Kansas City before playing for the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance of American Football in the spring of 2019. After standing out in the AAF, Purcell returned to the NFL when he signed with the Denver Broncos in April 2019.

Over the last five seasons, Purcell totaled 166 tackles, 14 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 65 games (37 starts) in Denver.

The Broncos opted to not re-sign Purcell when he hit free agency this spring and the lineman landed with the Patriots earlier this month. He earned just north of $14.7 million from 2013-2023, according to Spotrac.com.

Denver made big additions to the defensive line this spring by acquiring John Franklin-Myers in a trade and signing Malcolm Roach during free agency. Those two linemen joined a rotation that already featured Zach Allen and D.J. Jones.

With good depth at the position, it’s hard to imagine the Broncos bringing back a 33-year-old Purcell. If he lands elsewhere, 2024 will mark Purcell’s 12th season in the NFL.

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Patriots cut veteran defensive tackle ahead of preseason finale

The Patriots release a veteran DT ahead of roster cuts

The New England Patriots announced they released veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday.

It’s a move that came ahead of Sunday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders and six days before the roster cut deadline.

Purcell being the one ousted is a bit of a surprise considering some of the questions along the defensive front. Christian Barmore is out indefinitely with blood clots, and the team just traded Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons.

So it initially seemed like the Patriots would load up at defensive tackle and lean on a steady rotation to make up for the loss of Barmore in particular. An experienced player like Purcell seemed to fit the bill.

However, the youth movement is in effect for the rebuilding Patriots, and Purcell wasn’t necessarily the right fit for that direction as a 33-year-old journeyman defensive player.

There’s always the possibility that Purcell re-signs as a member of the Patriots’ practice squad. But he clearly isn’t making the 53-man roster.

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2 ex-Broncos players have signed with new teams

Former Broncos DL Mike Purcell signed with the Patriots and WR Marquez Callaway signed with Saints.

Two former Denver Broncos players found news homes on Thursday.

Former Broncos defensive lineman Mike Purcell signed with the New England Patriots, and ex-Denver wide receiver Marquez Callaway signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Purcell, 33, played for the Broncos from 2019-2023, totaling 166 tackles, 14 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks in 65 games (37 starts). He played 462 snaps on defense last season. Denver signed defensive lineman Malcolm Roach during free agency and acquired John Franklin-Myers in a trade with the New York Jets this spring, beefing up their defensive line.

Callaway, 26, went to training camp with the Broncos last summer after spending the first three years of his career with the Saints. He spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans after being cut by Denver last year. Callaway was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week and has now returned to the Saints for the third time in his career.

There are now four ex-Broncos players who remain unsigned free agents: safety Justin Simmons, cornerback K’Waun Williams, offensive tackle Cam Fleming and running back Dwayne Washington.

Broncos unsigned free agents

DB Justin Simmons (30)

CB K’Waun Williams (32)

OT Cam Fleming (31)

RB Dwayne Washington (30)

The most notable unsigned former Denver player is Simmons, a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. We’ll see if Simmons lands with a new team before the regular season begins in September.

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Patriots signing longtime veteran defensive tackle

The Patriots are adding to their defensive line

The New England Patriots are bringing in more defensive line reinforcements.

On Thursday, Equity Sports announced that veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell was signing with the Patriots.

Purcell is a nine-year professional football veteran with experience playing for seven different NFL teams, including New England back in 2017. The 33-year-old defensive lineman appeared in 16 games and started in 10 with the Denver Broncos last season.

He finished the season with 25 total tackles and three pass deflections.

The Patriots are desperately looking to boost their defensive line with star defensive tackle Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots. Purcell could be viewed as a possible rotational piece for the Patriots in the 2024 season.

The Patriots signed Davon Godchaux to a contract extension on Monday, and they also signed former UFL defensive lineman Josiah Bronson to a deal on Sunday.

They’re making a clear effort to beef up the defensive front ahead of the season. Purcell will have an opportunity to hit the ground running and prove that he can provide enough value to stick on the final roster.

2 ex-Broncos find new teams; 5 free agents are still unsigned

Former Broncos CB Fabian Moreau joined the Vikings earlier this week and DB Kareem Jackson signed with the Bills.

Story update: The New England Patriots signed Mike Purcell on Thursday. See our original post below. 

As training camps roll on across the league, two former Denver Broncos defensive backs have found new homes.

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran safety Kareem Jackson on Tuesday. The 36-year-old defensive back was cut by the Broncos last December after he returned from his second suspension of the 2023 season. Jackson now gets an opportunity to continue his NFL career in Buffalo.

Elsewhere on the free agency front, the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau on Wednesday. Moreau started 11 games in Denver last season after the team’s young cornerbacks struggled early in the year.

There are now five former Broncos players still available, with the most notable being safety Justin Simmons. The accomplished safety has said he is waiting for the right opportunity. Simmons is one of three former Denver defenders still seeking a new home ahead of the 2024 season.

Broncos unsigned free agents

DB Justin Simmons (30)

DL Mike Purcell (33) [Update: Signed with Patriots]

CB K’Waun Williams (32)

OT Cam Fleming (31)

RB Dwayne Washington (30)

NFL preseason kicks off tonight. We’ll see if these players find new teams before the regular season begins in September.

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Mike Purcell wants to re-sign with Broncos and wear throwback uniform

“Sign me back so I can rock them!” free agent defensive lineman Mike Purcell said of the Broncos’ new throwback uniforms.

It’s safe to say the Denver Broncos’ new throwback uniforms are a big hit.

Fans love the “Orange Crush” look and players do, too. Even former players.

Broncos free agent defensive lineman Mike Purcell tweeted his excitement about the throwback uniform on Monday. The veteran defender told the team to re-sign him “so I can rock” the new uniform.

Purcell undoubtedly wanted to re-sign with Denver even before the new throwbacks dropped, but this is still a notable sign of a uniform’s success. A player is asking a team to sign him so he can wear the new uniform. Well done, designers.

Purcell, 33, has previously made it clear that he wants to finish his career with the Broncos. Before hitting free agency this spring, Purcell played in Denver from 2019-2023, totaling 166 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one safety in 65 games (37 starts).

If the Broncos do re-sign Purcell, it will likely happen after the draft.

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Mike Purcell wants to re-sign with Broncos

Mike Purcell would like to re-sign with the Broncos, but Denver will probably wait until after the NFL draft.

Veteran defensive lineman Mike Purcell wants to re-sign with the Denver Broncos and finish his career with the team, according to the Denver Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson.

Purcell (6-3, 328 pounds) will turn 33 later this month. He’s a run-stuffing nose tackle who has spent the last five seasons with the Broncos. The defensive lineman has totaled 166 tackles (13 behind the line), 14 quarterback hits, four pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one safety in 65 games (37 starts) in Denver.

The Broncos will likely wait until after the NFL draft (April 25-27) to make a decision on re-signing Purcell. He had a salary cap hit of $2.25 million in 2023. Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach are Denver’s top defensive lineman going into the 2024 season. That’s a solid starting trio, but the Broncos could use more depth up front.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Purcell return to the team on a one-year deal in May.

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5 in-house free agents Broncos should let walk

With limited salary cap space, the Broncos should let these in-house free agents walk this offseason.

The NFL’s free agency negotiating window will open on March 11. Two days later, the new league year (and the official start of free agency) will begin on March 13.

The Denver Broncos have several key players scheduled to become free agents this year, but the team won’t be able to re-sign all of them. The Broncos are currently about $14 million over the salary cap, so Denver will have to make some cap-saving moves to create more cap space.

We previously identified six in-house free agents the Broncos should re-sign once the team has some cap space to work with. Today, we’re taking a quick look at five players the team should let walk in free agency — not necessarily based solely on performance, but also with the salary cap in mind.

The biggest name on the list is center Lloyd Cushenberry, who is coming off a career year and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams.

Ranking the Broncos’ upcoming in-house free agents

The Broncos have 14 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month. We rank them here.

NFL teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other teams beginning on March 11 ahead of the official start of free agency on March 13. So if the Denver Broncos do not give extensions to their in-house free agents before March 11, those players will be allowed to negotiate with other clubs.

OverTheCap.com lists 16 upcoming in-house free agents for the Broncos, 14 unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents. (It should be noted that wide receiver Michael Bandy was listed as a free agent on our previous list, but OTC now says he is under contract for the 2024 season.)

The most notable free agent for Denver this year is center Lloyd Cushenberry. He will likely draw a big contract, perhaps one the Broncos will not be able to afford. Consequently, the team seems to be preparing for life without Cushenberry in 2024.

Another notable free agent for Denver is safety P.J. Locke. With Caden Sterns coming off a serious injury, the Broncos will be very thin at safety if Locke does not return this season.

Denver linebacker Josey Jewell has been a key starter on defense, but it remains to be seen if the Broncos plan to re-sign him. Denver’s kicker, Wil Lutz, is also set to become a free agent next month, as is No. 1 tight end Adam Trautman.

Here is the full list of the Broncos’ upcoming free agents, ranked 1-16.