Denver Broncos have waived defensive lineman Israel Antwine

August 29, 2026 - 21:16

The Denver Broncos have decided to release defensive lineman Israel Antwine, a move confirmed by Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. The waiver comes as the team continues to shape its roster ahead of the regular season, trimming the depth chart at a position where competition has been fierce throughout training camp.

Antwine, who joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2022, spent most of his time with the team on the practice squad. He appeared in only a handful of games over the past two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams and as a rotational piece along the interior defensive line. His most notable action came during the 2023 season when he logged limited snaps in a few late-season contests.

The move is not entirely surprising given the Broncos' recent additions along the defensive front. The team brought in several veteran free agents and drafted a rookie tackle in April, creating a crowded room. Coaches have emphasized versatility and quickness in their scheme, and Antwine, while showing flashes of power, struggled to stand out consistently in practice.

By waiving him now, the Broncos give Antwine a chance to catch on with another club before final cuts. He is eligible to be claimed by any of the other 31 teams. If he goes unclaimed, he could potentially return to Denver on the practice squad, though that remains uncertain.

For the Broncos, the decision frees up a roster spot as they prepare for their next preseason matchup. The coaching staff will likely use that opening to evaluate another young player or address a need elsewhere on the field. Fans should not expect any major signings in the immediate aftermath, as the team is still in the process of evaluating its current group.

Antwine's departure marks another small but telling step in the Broncos' ongoing roster overhaul. While he never became a household name, his release underscores how competitive roster spots are in the NFL, especially for undrafted players trying to carve out a niche. The team wishes him well in his next opportunity.