Three former Denver Broncos defensive linemen have secured latest opportunities across the league, as a series of roster moves reveals how ex-defensive linemen find NFL homes through the grueling cycle of practice squads and short-term contracts. The recent acquisitions by the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlight the volatile nature of the NFL’s lower roster tiers, where persistence and versatility often outweigh draft pedigree.
The moves, occurring in the lead-up to the 2026 campaign, involve P.J. Mustipher, Elijah Garcia, and Haggai Ndubuisi. Even as their paths have diverged, each player shares a common history with the Broncos organization, illustrating the league’s tendency to recycle talent that has already been vetted by NFL coaching staffs.
For these athletes, the journey is rarely linear. The transition from a practice squad to an active roster—and often back again—defines the “journeyman” experience. In a league where a single injury to a starter can create an immediate opening, these players remain in a state of constant readiness, moving between cities and systems in hopes of carving out a permanent role in a defensive rotation.
Mustipher and Garcia Secure Continuity
The Arizona Cardinals have opted for familiarity by re-signing defensive lineman P.J. Mustipher. Mustipher’s trajectory is a case study in the “poaching” mechanism of the NFL; after entering the league as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) out of Penn State with the Broncos in 2023, he spent his initial rookie period on Denver’s practice squad. His development did not go unnoticed, leading the New Orleans Saints to sign him directly to their active roster.
Mustipher’s path since then has been a whirlwind of training camps and short-term stints. Following his time in New Orleans, he spent a summer with the Philadelphia Eagles before eventually landing in Arizona. By re-signing him, the Cardinals are betting on a player who has been exposed to multiple defensive schemes and has proven he can handle the professional jump from the collegiate level.
Similarly, the Atlanta Falcons have brought back Elijah Garcia, who was signed off the New York Giants’ practice squad last November. Garcia, a UDFA out of Rice who first entered the league with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, spent a significant portion of his early career in Denver. After being signed off the Rams’ practice squad in December of his rookie year, Garcia spent two subsequent summers with the Broncos.
Unlike many practice squad hopefuls, Garcia has managed to produce tangible statistics on the field. During his tenure with the Broncos, he appeared in five games, recording five tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. This statistical footprint provides the Falcons with a baseline of reliability as they seem to bolster their defensive line depth.
The Global Reach of the Defensive Line
While Mustipher and Garcia represent the traditional UDFA grind, the signing of Haggai Ndubuisi by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents the NFL’s strategic expansion into international markets. Ndubuisi, a Nigerian defensive lineman, is a product of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which aims to recruit elite athletes from non-traditional football nations.
Ndubuisi’s journey has been one of the most nomadic in recent league history. The Buccaneers now mark his sixth NFL team. His experience includes a 2023 season on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad and a brief active-roster appearance with the Houston Texans last fall. For Ndubuisi, the challenge is twofold: mastering the technical nuances of the defensive line position while navigating the precarious nature of the IPP roster spots.
The IPP program provides a unique window for players like Ndubuisi to compete, but the transition to a standard NFL contract requires an immense leap in physical and tactical development. His signing in Tampa Bay suggests that the Buccaneers see untapped potential in his frame and athleticism, continuing a pattern of international players fighting for a foothold in the American game.
The Mechanics of the NFL Roster Churn
To understand why these three players are moving now, one must look at the “churn” of the NFL offseason. Teams rarely fill their 53-man rosters in a single stroke; instead, they utilize a revolving door of practice squad contracts to maintain a pool of “ready” talent.
The movement of these defensive linemen is driven by several key factors:
- Scheme Fit: A player who doesn’t fit a 3-4 defense may find a home in a 4-3 system.
- Special Teams Value: Lower-roster players must often contribute on special teams to justify their spot.
- Injury Insurance: Teams prioritize players who have already spent time in NFL systems, reducing the learning curve during a crisis.
- Practice Squad Poaching: As seen with Mustipher, teams can sign players from another team’s practice squad to their active roster at any time.
The following table summarizes the career trajectories of the three former Broncos as they enter the 2026 cycle:
| Player | College | Entry Path | Current Team | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.J. Mustipher | Penn State | UDFA (2023) | Arizona Cardinals | Signed by Saints from DEN PS |
| Elijah Garcia | Rice | UDFA (2022) | Atlanta Falcons | 1 sack, 1 FF with Broncos |
| Haggai Ndubuisi | IPP Program | International | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6th NFL team |
What This Means for the 2026 Season
For the Cardinals, Falcons, and Buccaneers, these signings are not about finding a superstar, but about securing “floor” players—athletes who can execute basic assignments and provide reliable depth during the grueling 17-game schedule. The fact that all three spent time in Denver suggests a level of professional maturity that teams value during the late stages of roster building.
For the players, the stakes are absolute. In the NFL, the difference between a practice squad contract and a standard active-roster contract is not just financial, but a matter of career longevity. Every snap taken in a regular-season game, such as Garcia’s five appearances in Denver or Ndubuisi’s time in Houston, serves as a calling card for the next team.
The next critical checkpoint for these players will be the start of official training camps, where they will compete against high-draft picks and established veterans for a final spot on the 53-man roster. Their ability to survive the final cuts of the preseason will determine if their journey through the league continues or reaches its conclusion.
Do you think these journeymen can break into the starting lineups this year? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media.
