A sixth-round pick in 2022, Matt Henningsen spent his first couple of seasons contributing in a rotational role before missing the entire 2025 campaign due to injury. Now, with training camp coming up, he's working his way back into a group that looks a bit different from before.

ESPN’s Jeff Legwold noted the challenge Henningsen is going to face after he signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos, including an average annual salary of $1,145,000 for the 2026 season.

“It’s going to be difficult for Henningsen to earn a roster spot when training camp breaks this summer," wrote the analyst.

The Broncos plan to go through the 2026 season, keeping seven defensive linemen on their 53-man roster while six of them are fixed. For the left defensive end, Malcolm Roach will be the starter, followed by Tyler Onyedim and Jordan Jackson, while Zach Allen, Sai'vion Jones and Kristian Williams will be right defensive ends. Yet Henningsen is trying to prove himself.

"But the sixth-round pick from the 2022 draft has flashed repeatedly in offseason work,” Legwold wrote. "That included a pass he tipped to himself for an interception in an 11-on-11 period in a minicamp practice and a return that would have been a touchdown."

While he missed last season due to a torn Achilles suffered during training camp, he still showed up.

That depth, though, has made the competition for roster spots a lot more intense.

Legwold also pointed out that the numbers game on the defensive line could make things tricky when roster cuts arrive.

“If the Broncos keep five or six defensive linemen when the roster is cut to 53 in the preseason, it makes it a tight fit for him, but he has done his part so far,” Legwold wrote.

Every rep this summer could go a long way in deciding his spot on the final roster. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke positively about what Henningsen brings.

Broncos HC weighs in on Henningsen’s future

Henningsen works through a competitive spot in Denver's defensive line rotation. Head coach Sean Payton spoke about his progress and what he brings to the group, especially in terms of awareness and preparation.

“He does a great job of seeing those screens, or those underneath throws,” Payton said on June 16. “He’s doing really well. He’s exceptionally smart; he’s got great respect from his teammates, he knows the technique and the defense well.”

Payton also made it clear that nothing is settled heading into camp, even with those positives.

“And in a position that gets rotated and plays a lot, he’s going to be competing for one of those spots,” the head coach added.

With training camp getting closer, Henningsen finds himself in a familiar NFL situation. Good signs on the field, but still a real battle ahead to lock down a spot on the final roster.

What do you think of Henningsen’s chances to seal a spot in the Broncos' depth? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar