In a decisive move to streamline their squad, the Denver Broncos have officially released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett along with defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence, marking a significant shift in their team dynamics. The cuts were necessary as the Broncos introduced their 13-man undrafted free agent group, pushing the roster count to its offseason limit.
A Glimpse at Phillip Dorsett’s Journey
Phillip Dorsett, a name that resonates with versatility and experience across the NFL, recently faced the tough reality of professional sports. Despite joining the Broncos on a practice squad deal last August, Dorsett’s time in Denver was brief.
Having played for seven NFL teams over nine years, his career has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. Dorsett, who turned 31 this offseason, initially entered the NFL as a promising first-round pick in 2015.
His most notable performances unfolded during his stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. In a memorable trade back in 2017, Dorsett was swapped for Jacoby Brissett, moving from the Colts to the Patriots following a career-high 528 receiving yards season.
However, Dorsett’s recent years haven’t mirrored his early successes. Last year, after failing to secure a spot on the Raiders’ 53-man roster, he caught only one pass across two games for the Broncos. This marked a subdued chapter in his otherwise vibrant NFL journey.
Rashard Lawrence’s NFL Odyssey
On the flip side, Rashard Lawrence, at 25, has also navigated through his share of NFL turbulence. The defensive lineman’s career has been marked by frequent transitions, moving through five teams since August 2023 alone. Originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round, Lawrence made a notable impact by starting 13 games from 2020 to 2022.
However, he found himself off the Cardinals’ roster with the onset of Jonathan Gannon’s tenure as coach last year and subsequently moved between practice squads from Miami to Carolina and Houston, before landing a reserve/futures contract with the Broncos in January.
Denver Broncos QB Zach Wilson (@ZachWilson) is now wearing number 4. Last assigned to Phillip Dorsett. #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/vx34Wxq1lb
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 9, 2024
Denver Broncos’ Strategy Moving Forward
The release of both Dorsett and Lawrence underscores the Broncos’ strategy of reshaping their roster to blend seasoned players with fresh talent from their UDFA pool. Such moves are indicative of the NFL’s ever-evolving team dynamics, where adaptability and strategic foresight play critical roles.
As the Broncos look ahead to the upcoming season, their focus is set on cultivating a team that balances experience with new potential. These changes, though challenging for the players involved, are part of the broader efforts to optimize team performance and dynamics ahead of the demanding NFL season.
