If the Denver Broncos are going to turn the corner offensively in 2026, it’s going to take more than just a good training camp and a few lucky breaks. This is a group that needs real growth-both in terms of talent and scheme. The foundation is there, but for Sean Payton’s offense to truly evolve in Year 4, they’ll need to make some strategic shifts and personnel upgrades.
Let’s start up front: the Broncos have leaned heavily into 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers), and while that’s become a staple across the league, it can also make an offense predictable if not layered with variety. Denver’s commitment to that grouping has its benefits-spacing, tempo, and familiarity-but it also limits the ability to disguise intentions.
If they can bolster the backfield and add a more dynamic tight end, it opens the door for more under-center looks and heavier personnel packages. That’s the kind of versatility that keeps defenses guessing and creates mismatches.
Then there’s the passing game. Bo Nix, who’s shown he can escape pressure and extend plays, doesn’t always need extra help to stay upright-but that doesn’t mean the Broncos shouldn’t give it to him.
Look at what the Seahawks did last season: they leaned into chip concepts with tight ends and backs, not just to protect the quarterback, but to create timing advantages and open up chunk plays downfield. That’s a wrinkle Denver should seriously consider, especially if they want to push the ball more consistently and keep Nix upright over a full season.
This offense doesn’t need a full teardown-it needs refinement. Sean Payton is heading into his fourth year in Denver, and with some continuity finally taking hold, now’s the time to start layering in more complexity.
We’ve seen what Payton’s system can do when it’s humming, but to get there, the Broncos will need to evolve beyond the basics. That means adding talent in key spots, mixing up their looks, and giving Nix the kind of support that turns potential into production.
It’s not just about installing new plays-it’s about building an identity that’s flexible, physical, and explosive. If Denver can check those boxes this offseason, 2026 could be the year their offense finally catches up with their ambitions.