Keidron Smith waived by Denver Broncos as Devon Key makes 53-man roster

One former Wildcat is out in Denver as a close friend of KSR remains in. On the NFL’s big cut day with rosters moving down to 53 players across the league, Keidron Smith did not make the team after spending time with the Broncos in 2023 and 2024.

The Kentucky standout signed with Denver after brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders as a rookie, joining the practice squad for all of the ’23 campaign before making the initial 53-man roster in ’24. He suited up in nine games for the Broncos in that time, racking up seven tackles (four solo) before being waived in November and finishing the season on the practice squad.

It appears that’s where things are trending once again with Denver hoping to bring him back to the PS after clearing waivers.

His absence on the final 53-man roster meant great news for Devon Key, the son of former Wildcat Donte’ Key and brother of Dane Key — meaning he’s Ryan Lemond’s nephew and a dear friend of the program.

Key is one of five safeties to make the team, joining Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke and JL Skinner.

Smith finished his Kentucky career as an All-SEC defensive back, totaling 46 tackles, five pass breakups and a team-high-tying two interceptions in 13 games as a Wildcat. Prior to his time in Lexington, the 6-2 safety was a standout at Ole Miss, totaling 224 total tackles, 22 passes defended, five forced fumbles, five interceptions, eight tackles for loss and one sack.

As for Key, the Bryan Station HS alum and Lexington native spent five years at Western Kentucky and racked up 350 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 25 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Re-sign Smith to the practice squad and we’ll call it a good day in Denver.