The Denver Broncos’ season came to a crushing end in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, but let’s be honest-things took a sharp turn the week before. Bo Nix’s broken ankle wasn’t just a setback; it was a gut punch that effectively derailed Denver’s postseason hopes. Now, as the dust settles, the Broncos are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory.
The good news? For the first time in a long time, Denver’s financial books are clean.
Russell Wilson’s dead cap hit is officially off the books, freeing up significant space for the front office to maneuver. Add in some valuable draft capital, and the Broncos are in position to make noise-both in free agency and in potential trade scenarios.
There’s already buzz around the league that Denver could be aggressive, particularly when it comes to upgrading the offense.
And while the big moves are still on the horizon, the roster is already starting to shift. As of Monday, 10 players who suited up for Denver in 2025 are now free agents, with their contracts having officially expired.
Here’s the full list of Broncos players whose contracts expired:
- Ben DiNucci
- Delarrin Turner-Yell
- Marcedes Lewis
- Michael Bandy
- Geron Christian
- Brandon Johnson
- Tanner McCalister
- Elijah Moore
- Patrick Murtagh
- Kyrese Rowan
There are a few familiar names here, including veterans and depth players who saw the field in various capacities this past season.
Marcedes Lewis, the ageless tight end, joined midseason and gave the Broncos a veteran presence in the blocking game. He started one game and contributed in the trenches, but his role was limited to that of a traditional blocking TE-not a pass-catching threat.
Michael Bandy is another name that stands out. Originally on the practice squad, Bandy was elevated for four games and even caught a clutch touchdown against the Packers.
He also handled punt return duties, logging five returns on the year. However, his season wasn’t without hiccups.
A muffed punt against the Texans earlier in the season raised questions about his reliability in special teams situations.
Elijah Moore is perhaps the most intriguing name on the list. A midseason addition, Moore didn’t make a major impact in Denver’s offense, but his résumé still carries weight.
At just 25 years old, and with 200 career receptions over his first four seasons, there’s still some upside here. While he didn’t move the needle this year, a futures deal to bring him back for camp wouldn’t be out of the question-especially if Denver sees untapped potential that fits Sean Payton’s offensive vision.
That said, most of the players on this list are unlikely to return in 2026. As Sean Payton continues to shape the roster in his image, expect more turnover-especially among depth and special teams contributors.
Payton has a history of bringing in “his guys,” even if the fanbase doesn’t always see the vision. Bandy, for instance, stuck around longer than some expected, despite inconsistent performances.
This wave of expiring contracts is just the beginning. With free agency set to open in March, Denver is inching closer to a critical window for roster building.
The team has cap flexibility, draft assets, and a clear need to retool after coming up just short of the Super Bowl. Whether that means chasing big-name free agents, swinging trades, or doubling down on player development, the Broncos are officially on the clock.
In the meantime, don’t be surprised if a few of these names pop back up on futures deals or in training camp. But make no mistake-this roster is about to look very different, very soon.