After three seasons, the Denver Broncos officially cut Greg Dulcich. Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the UCLA product started his career on a promising note. Developing a chemistry with first-year Bronco Russell Wilson, the rookie finished his first season in the league with a respectable 33 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 games. At the time, Dulcich looked like a player who could develop into a legitimate weapon in the NFL.
Unfortunately, he never recaptured that rookie form. The tight end became an afterthought in Sean Payton’s offense, catching just eight passes for 53 yards on 16 targets over the past two seasons. The Broncos ultimately cut Greg Dulcich, but NFL insider Benjamin Allbright suspects he won’t be unemployed for long. According to the reporter, the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets could try and claim him on waivers, but they probably won’t be the only teams interested in his services.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Carolina put a claim in. Jets two places ahead of them, either. https://t.co/wj8Tg0C1Ut
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) November 25, 2024
Panthers, Jets Among 5 Fits For Greg Dulcich After Unceremonious Cut
After a disappointing rookie season and a rough start to 2024, former first-overall pick Bryce Young is showing some signs of life. After leading two straight wins in Weeks 10 and 11, the quarterback had the best game of his career in a 30-27 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Completing 60% of his passes for 263 yards and one touchdown, Young might have earned himself another shot at the starting job in 2025. If the Panthers should upgrade the tight end position following the Ja’Tavion Sanders injury and Greg Dulcich is the best option available. Perhaps a new scheme can bring out his rookie form and give Young another reliable set of hands.
The New York Jets, meanwhile, must begin looking toward the future. The Aaron Rodgers Era was an unmitigated disaster, and the four-time MVP won’t return in 2025. It’s time for this team to get younger, which makes Greg Dulcich a smart add. At just 24 years old, Dulcich still has plenty of football left in his tank, and his rookie season suggests he can be effective in the right scheme. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are the only notable young playmakers in this offense, and Dulcich could be part of the youth movement.
Other Fits
Waiver claims are determined based on record. If a bad team and a good team want the same player, the bad team will get him. The Panthers and Jets have identical 3-8 records, so Dulcich probably won’t make it past one of those teams. However, if both organizations decide not to put in a claim, the tight end could land with the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, or Washington Commanders.
At 4-7, the New Orleans Saints playoff hopes are still alive, but they can’t afford to lose a single game. Taysom Hill is back in his usual gadget role, but this team could use a conventional tight end. Juwan Johnson has not done much this season, and Greg Dulcich could try revitalizing his career under Darren Rizzi following his unceremonious cut from the Denver Broncos.
The Chargers performance on Monday Night Football shows how desperately this team needs more weapons. Ladd McConkey is great, but Quentin Johnston has yet to put together a string of reliable performances. With arguably the worst tight ends in the league, Dulcich should immediately earn playing time and could be a crucial part of this offense down the stretch.
Zach Ertz is the second-leading receiver on the Washington Commanders. While the 34-year-old is making the most of his surprising amount of opportunities, he’s not a long-term answer at the position. Kliff Kingsbury loves to utilize tight ends in his passing game, and Dulcich could be a fixture in this passing attack if he can develop a rapport with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Main Photo: Chris Pedota – USA Today Sports
