Adam Prentice just locked in a one-year deal worth roughly $1.4 million with the Denver Broncos. And if history is any guide, we know exactly how his upcoming season is going to play out. This guy’s journey to being a starting fullback is wild, and frankly, it’s a blueprint that Sean Payton and the Broncos keep running back.
The Blueprint That Works for Adam Prentice
Prentice’s path to the NFL was anything but traditional. He kicked off his college career at Colorado State for four seasons before heading to South Carolina for his final year. Then came the 2021 NFL Draft, where he went undrafted. The Broncos scooped him up as an undrafted free agent, but he was waived during roster cutdowns. Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints immediately claimed him off waivers, and he played for them through the 2024 season.
After becoming a free agent in 2025, Prentice remained unsigned until injuries hit the Broncos hard, sidelining veteran fullback Michael Burton and tight end/fullback Nate Adkins. Who did Payton and the Broncos turn to? Their old friend, Adam Prentice. He was among the final cuts again, but the very next day, he was signed to their practice squad. Then came the familiar elevations to the active roster for the first three games, before he was officially signed to the active roster in Week 4. The dude appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Broncos, plus their two postseason matchups. He totaled 10 rushing attempts for 44 yards and caught 6 receptions for 53 yards. Oh, and he snagged a career-high 11 tackles, mostly on special teams. He’s a total dog.
Why Sean Payton Keeps Going Back to the Well
So, what makes the Broncos stick to this unusual cycle with Prentice? It’s simple: he delivers. Prentice is a physical lead blocker who consistently opens up running lanes for their backs. He’s also proven to be a reliable option in short-yardage situations, making him a sneaky pass catcher and a valuable asset in other areas of the game. At 6-0 and 245 pounds, the 29-year-old is entering his 6th NFL season, and he’s clearly a player Payton trusts.
For 2026, the expectation is more of the same. The forecast? Prentice will likely be cut during roster cutdowns, only to be re-signed to the practice squad a day later. Then, brace yourselves, because he’ll probably be elevated from the practice squad for the first three games, and then, you guessed it, signed to the active roster after that. They’ve nailed this pattern for multiple seasons now, and it’s hard to imagine them deviating from it.
It’s a bizarre dance, sure, but it’s one Sean Payton and the Broncos have perfected with Prentice. This isn’t some random gamble; it’s a calculated move. They know what they’re getting: a tough, reliable blocker and special teams ace who gets the job done. Don’t be surprised when you see #46 grinding it out again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Leave a Reply