With the Russell Wilson dead cap finally off their books, the Denver Broncos are entering the 2026 offseason with a little more financial flexibility-and a lot more ambition. But even with some room to maneuver, this isn’t Madden.
Denver can’t just throw top dollar at every position of need. They’ve got to be strategic.
And make no mistake, the needs are there. Running back, wide receiver, linebacker-those are the obvious ones.
Tight end joins the mix too, with Adam Trautman heading into free agency. But here's where things get interesting: some big-name free agents might not cost as much as originally projected.
That opens the door for Denver to make a splash without emptying the vault.
Enter Devin Lloyd.
The former first-round pick is coming off a breakout year with the Jaguars-his first Pro Bowl appearance, a second-team All-Pro nod, 81 tackles, and five interceptions. That’s not just production; that’s game-changing presence. And if the predicted contract numbers hold, the Broncos could be in prime position to pounce.
A Pro Bowl Talent at a Discount?
According to a recent projection, Lloyd could command a deal in the range of three years, $48 million. That’s an average of $16 million per year-a far cry from the $20+ million some expected, and well below the projected $27 million linebacker franchise tag.
For a player of Lloyd’s caliber, that’s a bargain. And for a team like Denver, which needs a serious upgrade at linebacker, it’s the kind of opportunity that could reshape the defense overnight.
Let’s not forget, general manager George Paton has shown a soft spot for former Utah Utes. Lloyd fits that mold, and his age (27) and upside make him a compelling long-term piece. He’s not just a short-term fix-he’s someone you could anchor a defense around.
A Natural Fit in Vance Joseph’s Scheme
Vance Joseph’s defense doesn’t make life easy on linebackers. It demands versatility-guys who can cover, fill gaps, and even rush off the edge when called upon.
Lloyd checks all those boxes. He’s got the range, the instincts, and the physicality to thrive in that system.
And with both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad hitting free agency, there’s a clear path for Lloyd to step in and lead. Even Dre Greenlaw, signed just last year, could be on shaky ground with no guaranteed money left on his deal. If the Broncos decide to move on from him, Lloyd becomes an even more logical target.
More Than Just a Personnel Move
There’s also a bit of gamesmanship at play here. Snagging Lloyd from the Jaguars wouldn’t just strengthen Denver’s roster-it would weaken a team that had their number in 2025. That’s the kind of two-for-one move that contenders make.
Of course, none of this is guaranteed. Free agency is unpredictable, and prices can change quickly. But if Lloyd’s market really does settle around $16 million per year, the Broncos would be hard-pressed to find a better value at a more pressing position.
This is the kind of move that could quietly define an offseason. Not flashy.
Not headline-grabbing. But absolutely essential.
If Denver wants to turn the page and build a defense that can compete in the AFC, Devin Lloyd might just be the piece that makes it all click.