The Denver Broncos came into the postseason riding high. A 14-3 regular season, the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and home-field advantage had the Mile High faithful dreaming of another Super Bowl run.
And after a thrilling win over the Bills in the Divisional Round, it felt like Denver might be on its way. But the dream ended in a snow-globe AFC Championship Game, where the Patriots outlasted the Broncos in blizzard conditions.
The loss stings - no question. Bo Nix, who had taken a major leap in his second year, went down with an ankle injury late in the win over Buffalo.
That forced Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight for the conference title game, and the Broncos were already without JK Dobbins in the backfield. It was a tough hand to play with everything on the line.
But even with the bitter ending, there’s a lot to like about what Denver’s building. Nix showed real promise, the defense was ferocious, and the core of a 14-win team is largely under contract heading into 2026.
Of course, there are still some big decisions looming - especially when it comes to free agency. Let’s take a look at three players the Broncos would be wise to bring back if they want to stay in the contender conversation next season.
1. John Franklin-Myers - Defensive Line Anchor
If you’re looking for a glue guy on this Denver defense, look no further than John Franklin-Myers. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact is undeniable. The veteran defensive lineman has been a stabilizing force up front, helping lead a unit that piled up a league-best 68 sacks this season.
Franklin-Myers has been durable and disruptive since arriving in Denver, suiting up for 33 games over the past two seasons. In that span, he’s posted 14.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss - production that speaks volumes about his value in the trenches. His ability to collapse the pocket and set the tone up front has been a big reason for the defense’s success.
Now, the Broncos are already investing heavily in their defensive line. Zach Allen and DJ Jones are both on big contracts, and Nik Bonitto is due for a payday soon.
That’s a lot of money tied up in the front seven. But Franklin-Myers is the kind of player you find a way to keep.
He brings consistency, leadership, and the kind of interior pressure that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but makes everything else work. If Denver wants to keep its defensive identity intact, re-signing Franklin-Myers should be a priority.
2. Alex Singleton - The Heart of the Defense
Alex Singleton might not be the most versatile linebacker in the league, but what he brings to the table is something you can’t teach - toughness, leadership, and a nose for the football. He’s the emotional engine of this defense, and the Broncos felt his presence every time he stepped on the field.
Singleton played in 16 games this past season, missing just one after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor - a testament to his resilience and commitment. He still racked up 135 total tackles, continuing to be a force in the run game. Coverage isn’t his strong suit, but when it comes to stuffing gaps and setting a physical tone, Singleton delivers.
At 32, he’s not a long-term solution, but a short-term deal makes a lot of sense. Pairing him with a healthy Dre Greenlaw gives Denver a hard-hitting linebacker duo while they develop a younger player at the position - potentially through the draft. With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph expected to return, keeping Singleton around would help preserve the continuity that made this defense one of the league’s best in 2025.
3. JK Dobbins - A Tough Runner Worth Betting On
JK Dobbins’ injury history is well-documented, and unfortunately, it reared its head again in 2025. He played in just 10 games before a foot injury ended his season.
But even in limited action, he showed why he’s a valuable piece of this offense. Dobbins rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns, proving he can still be a difference-maker when healthy.
He’s not the explosive back he once was, but Dobbins brings a downhill, no-nonsense running style that complements RJ Harvey well. Especially late in the season, the Broncos missed his ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles - the kind of runs that keep drives alive and wear down defenses.
Given his injury history, Dobbins likely won’t command top-tier money in free agency. That makes him a smart, cost-effective option for Denver to bring back. Behind a strong offensive line, the Dobbins-Harvey tandem has the potential to give the Broncos a balanced, reliable ground game next season - something they’ll need to support Nix as he continues to develop.
The Big Picture
The Broncos came up short of their ultimate goal, but this was a season that showed real progress. They found their quarterback of the future, built a defense that can go toe-to-toe with anyone, and proved they belong in the AFC’s upper tier. Retaining key veterans like Franklin-Myers, Singleton, and Dobbins won’t just help them run it back - it’ll give them the foundation to take the next step.
There’s no guarantee in the NFL, especially in a conference loaded with quarterback talent and deep rosters. But if Denver can keep its core intact and get healthy at the right time, they’ll be right back in the mix in 2026.