October 10th 2024.
A.T. Perry, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, had yet to see any game action this year. However, he was taken by surprise last Friday when the team released him from their 53-man roster. Perry shared his confusion about the situation, saying, "It was kind of confusing for me. I really wanted to play in that offense - they were throwing the ball around and I wanted to be a part of that. Unfortunately, I wasn't given the opportunity. I was on the active roster but inactive each week. They said it was because of my hand."
Perry expressed shock at being released just for the Saints to bring in another offensive lineman. The team had signed veteran center Connor McGovern and wanted Perry back on their practice squad. However, the Denver Broncos quickly reached out to his agent after he cleared waivers and offered him a chance to start fresh with their team. Perry jumped at the opportunity, saying, "I just wanted to take my talents somewhere else where I could get on the field and have an opportunity to play. I'm just glad to be here. Meeting the staff and the players, it feels real genuine and real around here. I love that."
Perry was drafted in the sixth round out of Wake Forest in 2023 and had a strong rookie season, catching 12 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Broncos were already familiar with him from their own draft process, but they also had connections to him through former Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and former Saints front office member Cody Rager, who are now both with the Broncos.
At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Perry is a big target and adds to the Broncos' collection of practice squad receivers, which includes David Sills V, Kaden Davis, and Michael Bandy. Perry is confident in his abilities, stating, "I'm a baller. I feel like I can do everything. Just run routes, play on the outside, slot, tight end, shoot. I just want to stretch the field and get open."
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is also confident in the team's depth at receiver, especially with the possibility of Josh Reynolds being unable to play due to a hand injury. Lombardi said, "You never like your frontline guys to go down, but our scouting department and our pro personnel department have done a really good job of giving us depth here. We feel like we can go forward with whoever has to step up and be competitive."
Lombardi acknowledged that rookie receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has had a limited role so far this season but assured that they have plays designed to get the ball in his hands. He also believes that rookie fourth-round pick Troy Franklin is close to breaking through and making an impact for the team.
In other news, center Luke Wattenberg and right tackle Alex Palczewski missed their second straight day of practice on Thursday, along with Reynolds. Running back Audric Estime and cornerback Damarri Mathis, who have been on injured reserve, were full participants in practice and are moving closer to being activated. For more news and analysis on the Broncos, be sure to sign up for the Broncos Insider.
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