Broncos waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns, ahead of the 2nd preseason game
Denver’s preseason preparations took an unexpected turn when a contract standoff emerged just days before the team’s second exhibition game. What should have been a straightforward injury designation instead led to an early separation between a rookie and the front office.
The issue revolved around the injured reserve (IR) designation — a standard NFL move to preserve roster spots while injured players recover. In this case, the process came to a halt when the rookie declined to sign the paperwork.
At the center of the situation was Jaden Robinson, a cornerback who played 41 games for Oregon State, tallying 89 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 11 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery during his collegiate career.
General manager George Paton addressed the matter directly: “If you won’t sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather risk your health for short-term pay — and that’s not how we build lasting success in Denver.”
Robinson’s college résumé showcased his consistency and physicality in the secondary, qualities that earned him an opportunity in Broncos camp. However, an undisclosed injury kept him sidelined for the preseason opener and limited his practice reps.
By refusing the IR designation, Robinson not only risked aggravating his injury but also removed himself from contention in a competitive defensive back group. For Denver, the decision meant making an early roster cut.
Fan reactions have been mixed — some admired the rookie’s refusal to sit out the season, while others questioned the wisdom of jeopardizing his NFL future over a short-term paycheck.
On August 15, Denver officially waived Robinson, ending his brief tenure with the team before he could make his debut in orange and blue.
Tom Brady Calls Out Jared Goff After Brutal Lions Thanksgiving Loss
The Detroit Lions didn’t get the Thanksgiving result they were hoping for, falling to the Green Bay Packers at home and slipping to 7-5 on the season. The loss also dropped them to 0-2 against the Packers in 2025-a tough pill to swallow in a tight NFC North race. But while the scoreboard wasn’t in their favor, the game wasn’t without its silver linings, and one moment in particular stood out-especially to a certain quarterback legend watching from the booth.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Lions trailing by 10 and facing a 3rd-and-4 from the Packers’ 10-yard line, Jared Goff made a throw that stopped Tom Brady mid-sentence. And not in a critical way-Brady, who was calling the game on FOX, was genuinely stunned in the best way possible.
Goff dropped back and fired a quick out to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was lined up against a cornerback. Gibbs snagged the ball and picked up six yards for a first down.
On paper, it might not seem like much. But to Brady?
That was the kind of throw he flat-out wouldn’t make.
“A running back on a corner, on a quick out… I would throw that 0 percent of the time… but when you have Jahmyr Gibbs?” Brady said during the broadcast, clearly impressed.
That’s high praise coming from a guy with seven Super Bowl rings. Brady wasn’t knocking Goff-he was tipping his cap.
That throw, in that situation, against that coverage? It takes guts.
It also takes trust-trust in your receiver, trust in your timing, and trust that your guy is going to beat a matchup that’s usually not in his favor.
And that’s what makes this Lions offense so intriguing. When it’s humming, it has the kind of versatility and creativity that can catch even the most seasoned football minds off guard. Goff’s willingness to take that shot-and Gibbs’ ability to make it count-was a perfect example of how dangerous this unit can be when it’s in rhythm.
Unfortunately for Detroit, the momentum from that play didn’t carry through. The next three snaps unraveled quickly: two incompletions and a sack pushed the Lions out of touchdown range, forcing them to settle for a field goal. That drive could’ve been the turning point, but instead, it became a missed opportunity in a game that slipped away by a touchdown.
Still, if there’s a takeaway here beyond the final score, it’s that Jared Goff showed something you don’t often see-he made a gutsy, high-risk throw that even Tom Brady admitted he wouldn’t attempt. That’s not just a highlight; it’s a glimpse into the kind of confidence and chemistry this offense is trying to build.
The loss stings, no doubt. But moments like that? They’re the kind you can build on.
