JL Skinner, the Denver Broncos' former sixth-round draft pick, is staring down a brutal roster battle for a backup safety spot heading into the 2026 season. This isn't just another pre-season fight; it's the final year of his rookie contract, and his place on the team is far from guaranteed.
The Uphill Climb for Skinner
Skinner was drafted in 2023 out of Boise State, touted for his promising blend of traits, intangibles, and tenacious on-field play. Standing at 6'4" and 220 pounds, you'd think a guy with that kind of physical presence would be a defensive staple. But here's the wild truth: in three full seasons, Skinner has logged a paltry 54 defensive snaps. FIFTY-FOUR! That's it! Last season alone, he played 17 games with zero starts, seeing just 34 defensive snaps the entire year. He did notch 12 tackles and one fumble recovery, sure, but his real impact has been on special teams, where he logged 322 snaps in 2025 and a massive 643 career snaps. He's been a stalwart there, no doubt, but with Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga locked in as the starting duo, Skinner needs to prove he's more than just a special teams ace to stick around.Broncos' Safety Depth Gets Real
The good news for Skinner is P.J. Locke, another safety, left for the Cowboys. That opens up a huge opportunity for the third safety job, right behind Hufanga and Jones. The Broncos typically keep five safeties on their initial 53-man roster, so there are spots up for grabs. However, it's far from a clear path. All-Pro special teams player Devon Key seems like a surefire bet to make the team as well. Skinner's main challengers for those crucial backup roles include Miles Scott, a seventh-round draft selection, and free agent acquisition Tycen Anderson, who was an important special teamer for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's a crowded room, man, and Skinner's limited defensive experience puts him under intense pressure. So, what's the path forward for Skinner? He has to perform this summer, no ifs, ands, or buts. Every single defensive rep in those upcoming preseason games will be under the microscope. The coaches need to see that if Jones or Hufanga go down due to injury, Skinner can step in and hold his own. His physical traits are intriguing, absolutely, but that incredibly limited in-game defensive sample size means it's now or never for him to show he's a reliable defensive piece, not just a special teams guy. This isn't just about making the roster; it's about extending his NFL career. With the Broncos looking to solidify their depth, Skinner's performance this summer will dictate everything. Can he show them what he's truly capable of on defense? That's the million-dollar question heading into the season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.