When NFL teams make decisions about roster cuts, a player’s performance on the field is the biggest factor to consider.
That doesn’t mean other factors don’t have any influence on decisions, though. A player’s draft status and contract situation can also influence a team’s decision.
For the Broncos, the bonuses for undrafted free agents could give us a clue about which of those players Denver coveted the most. Sometimes teams get into bidding wars for UDFAs and a player’s large bonus certainly doesn’t guarantee a player will make the team, but it can help.
Running back LeVante Bellamy received a $25,000 signing bonus and $35,000 in guaranteed salary, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Could that be a sign that the Broncos plan to trade or cut Royce Freeman and have Bellamy serve as the third-string RB this season? Maybe.
Cornerback Essang Bassey received a $20,000 signing bonus, according to Klis. Even though he didn’t receive the largest bonus, Bassey might be the most likely UDFA to make Denver’s roster. The team needs more depth at cornerback and Bassey could be a sleeper to watch this summer.
Here are the remaining UDFA signing bonuses, according to Klis:
| Player | Bonus |
| WR Zimari Manning | $12,500 |
| WR Kendall Hilton | $10,000 (plus $5,000 guaranteed salary) |
| QB Riley Neal | $8.000 |
| DB Douglas Coleman | $5,000 |
| OT Hunter Watts | $3,000 |
The undrafted free agents who don’t make the 53-man roster will be strong candidates to make the Broncos’ practice squad.
