The Denver Broncos are staring down a long offseason, one that began just a few painful plays shy of a Super Bowl berth. Their 10-7 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game stung-a bitter end to a promising campaign.
But if there’s any silver lining, it’s this: the Broncos are close. Really close.
And with the right moves in free agency, they could be right back in the thick of the title hunt in 2026.
Let’s break down three potential targets who could help Denver take that next step.
1. Kyle Pitts - The High-Upside Tight End Play
There’s no sugarcoating it-Denver needs more juice on offense. And one spot that could use a serious upgrade?
Tight end. Enter Kyle Pitts.
Now, Pitts is one of the more fascinating names on the free-agent market. He’s only 25, and while his career has had its ups and downs, the talent has never been in question. This past season, he reminded everyone why he was once considered one of the best tight end prospects in recent memory.
Pitts posted 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Not eye-popping numbers, but the way he came on late in the year was hard to ignore.
His 11-catch, 166-yard, three-touchdown explosion in Week 15? That’s what front offices dream about when they talk about upside.
Consistency has been the knock-he’s had stretches where he disappears-but in the right system, with the right quarterback, Pitts could flourish. And for a young signal-caller like Bo Nix, having a dynamic, athletic tight end who can stretch the field and win mismatches could be a game-changer.
If the price is right, this is the kind of swing Denver should take.
Other names to keep in mind at the position: Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Dallas Goedert. All solid options, but none with the ceiling Pitts brings to the table.
2. George Pickens - A True WR1 for Bo Nix
If the Broncos want to give Bo Nix a real shot at taking the next step, they need to surround him with elite weapons. Courtland Sutton has been reliable-74 catches for 1,107 yards this season-but he hasn’t quite proven to be the alpha receiver this offense needs.
George Pickens could be that guy.
Yes, there have been maturity concerns. But on the field, Pickens took a massive leap after being traded to Dallas.
He put up career highs across the board: 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns. He thrived both as a standalone WR1 and as part of a lethal tandem with CeeDee Lamb.
That’s the kind of production Denver’s offense has been missing. Pickens brings physicality, route-running polish, and big-play ability-everything you want in a No. 1 receiver. And for a quarterback like Nix, who’s still developing, having a go-to guy who can win one-on-one matchups and bail you out on tough downs is invaluable.
The Broncos could look to the draft for help at receiver, but picking at No. 30, it’s unlikely they’ll land a true difference-maker. Pickens offers a proven, immediate-impact option.
3. Jaylinn Hawkins - The Do-It-All Safety
While the focus will understandably be on offensive upgrades, Denver could also use a steady, versatile presence on the back end of its defense. Jaylinn Hawkins fits that mold perfectly.
Hawkins earned a top-five grade among safeties from Pro Football Focus this season (82.4), and his reputation goes beyond the numbers. Coaches rave about his work ethic, toughness, and team-first mentality. Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer summed it up best when he said Hawkins is the kind of player who never misses a meeting, plays every snap like it’s his last, and leads by example-on both defense and special teams.
That’s the kind of culture guy who fits right in with what the Broncos are building. He’s not just a plug-and-play safety-he’s a tone-setter.
With the defense already playing at a high level, adding someone like Hawkins could help elevate the unit from good to elite. And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that kind of addition can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos were within striking distance this year. And let’s not forget-they were playing without Bo Nix down the stretch. With their young quarterback healthy and a few key additions, Denver has every reason to believe they can get back to this stage-and finish the job in 2026.
Free agency is where contenders are made or broken. And for the Broncos, the path forward is clear: swing big, fill the right holes, and trust the foundation already in place.
The window is open. Now it’s time to walk through it.