The Broncos are already getting a look at what their 2027 restricted free-agent class might look like, and one name stands out as the easiest call of the bunch.
Denver has five players lined up for restricted free agency in 2027, and after six games of the 2026 season, the picture is becoming clearer on who stays, who might get a short leash, and who likely moves on. Restricted free agents can be given a first-, second-, or original-round tender, which sets the compensation another team would owe if it signs the player to an offer sheet. If the tender is original-round and the player was undrafted, there’s no draft-pick compensation at all.
Justin Tillman looks like the cleanest decision on the board. He has carved out a useful role as a depth and rotational piece on Denver’s defense, and the numbers back up the value: 28 pressures and nine sacks in his career, plus four pressures in five games this season.
The Broncos should make this one straightforward and hand him a second-round tender. At an estimated $6.261 million salary, it’s the kind of price tag that makes sense for a player who has earned a real place in the rotation.
Delarrin Turner-Yell hasn’t had much of a path to snaps over the last couple of seasons, with Denver keeping him largely as depth while others moved ahead of him on the chart. He’s not expected to be tendered, though there is a slim chance the Broncos bring him back on a one-year deal. That would depend on how the team feels about players such as Sai'vion Jones and Tyler Onyedim.
JL Skinner’s case is more interesting. He has made his mark on special teams - he was first-team All-Pro last year - and has also flashed some ability on defense.
Against the Seattle Seahawks, he played a significant number of defensive snaps with Talanoa Hufanga out because of an ankle injury, although Taylor Rapp played more. Denver could still choose the second-round tender here, even if Brandon Jones is re-signed.
A short-term deal is also in play, including a two-year contract similar to the one the Broncos gave offensive guard Alex Palczewski this offseason.
Jaleel McLaughlin, meanwhile, has hung around because of what he does on special teams. He’s shown he can be productive when pressed into duty at running back, but he’s not a player the Broncos want counting on as a lead option. He doesn’t profile as a tender candidate, though Denver could still try to keep him on a one-year deal at the veteran minimum so he can fight for a roster spot.
Frank Crum’s situation is also shaky. Last season, he served as the swing tackle and sixth offensive lineman after Matt Peart’s year ended with injury, and Palczewski filled in at left guard for several games.
Crum had his moments, but his preseason struggles and current spot on injured reserve make a tender unlikely. Even so, the Broncos might still be open to a one-year deal if they want him back in camp competing for a job.
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