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Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos shook up the roster after their rookie minicamp.

The Denver Broncos are keeping their options open, following their rookie minicamp, reaching an agreement on a contract with Paul Manning.

Manning joins wide receiver Michael Woods as a post-minicamp signing. He is now officially part of a Broncos secondary that boasts significant depth, making his addition even more noteworthy, especially when considering the pool of competition that he faced during the process.

He will look to continue making a strong impression in OTAs in June.

Broncos Sign UDFA CB Paul Manning

“Per source, the #Broncos are signing Manning!” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on May 11. “Paul Manning, a rookie cornerback from Henderson State (Ark) and West Monroe, La. He won a weekend rookie tryout audition.”

The Broncos announced that Manning was part of their minicamp roster last week.

So, the youngster made a strong impression on Broncos head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph in a short window. News quickly spread on social media.

“#Broncos are indeed signing Henderson State cornerback Paul Manning after a tryout at rookie minicamp this weekend, source confirms,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted, tipping his cap to Klis for the break.

“Another rookie CB added to the mix. That’d be 93 now on roster, so at least two cuts upcoming.”

Evans followed up with additional context that could prove telling about what comes next.

“A win for Division II-to-NFL pipeline,” Evans said in a follow-up post about the Broncos’ latest addition on X. “Manning has good size at 6-foot-1, 192 pounds. 24 tackles, 1 INT last year at Henderson State.”

Broncos Expected to Continue Trimming Roster

Evans also noted that the “Broncos now have 11 CBs on offseason roster,” which could mean that players near the bottom of the pecking order there could be in jeopardy of losing their spot.

The group is led by 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.

It includes recent draft picks Jahdae Barron (20th overall in 2025), Kris Abrams-Draine (145th overall in 2024), and 2023 83rd overall pick Riley Moss. The Broncos also have starting nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian and fellow former UDFAs Jaden Robinson and Reese Taylor.

Of that group, Robinson and Taylor appear to be the most likely cut candidates the Broncos have heading into the next stage of their offseason program.

Klis echoed the need and expectation for a set of corresponding roster moves from the Broncos.

Evans reported on the first of those moves, Tennessee corner William Wright, whom the Broncos signed after the draft as a free agent. That still means another move is coming to get the Broncos’ roster in compliance with league rules.

Broncos Pass on QBs

While Manning got good news, the story was different for quarterbacks E.J. Warner, who is the son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, and polarizing veteran Nathan Peterman, whom Klis previously noted looked “overqualified” during his trial run.

“#Broncos did not sign their two tryout QBs, Nathan Peterman or E.J. Warner. At least not now,” Klis said in another separate post. “

“They delivered their impressions.”

Payton addressed the Broncos’ quarterback situation, with Bo Nix expected to be available following surgery to repair a broken bone in his ankle, and Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger on hand until the former first-round pick is full-go.

Payton said the Broncos could always bring one of their two tryout players back, offering high praise for Peterman and Warner.

In the meantime, Manning can prepare for OTAs with his new team and teammates.