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Broncos Cut Ties With Former Raiders TE After Failed Physical

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have had little success over the last several years, but they have still had an influx of offensive talent in recent seasons. Specifically, the tight end position has been bolstered with the additions of 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer and 2024 first-rounder Brock Bowers.

While Mayer has been merely solid through two NFL campaigns, Bowers broke multiple records during his first year. He earned Pro Bowl honors and landed on the All-Pro First-Team during his rookie year.

As a result of these two talented young players entering the fold, the team parted ways with tight end Cole Fotheringham at the end of last season.

In early May, Fotheringham landed on his feet as he signed with the Raiders' bitter AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos. There, he was set to compete for tight end reps with Evan Engram and Adam Trautman under head coach Sean Payton.

However, on Tuesday, the Broncos signed undrafted free agent tight end Cade Prieskorn, who played college football at Memphis and Ole Miss. In a corresponding move, the team announced that they had released Fotheringham with an injury designation.

Fotheringham was originally added to the Raiders' roster ahead of the 2022 NFL season, but he had a hard time finding his way onto the field. He only played in two games for the Silver and Black, and caught just one pass for six yards.

Now, he will look to find new life with another NFL franchise. Because head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek were not in charge when Fotheringham was released by the Raiders, perhaps a reunion could be in the cards, but earning playing time will still be a tall task in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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