As the Denver Broncos head into a pivotal offseason, the front office faces a series of decisions that could define the trajectory of the 2026 campaign. With multiple holes still glaring on the roster-particularly at running back, tight end, wide receiver, and inside linebacker-Denver can’t afford to stay passive.
The good news? They’ve got the cap flexibility and roster framework to make some noise in free agency.
The challenge now is making the right calls on their in-house free agents before the market opens.
Let’s break down what the Broncos should do with six of their most notable pending free agents-and why each decision matters.
Alex Singleton - Time to Move On
Alex Singleton’s return to the field after overcoming testicular cancer was nothing short of inspirational. But when it comes to roster construction, sentimentality has to take a backseat to performance-and Singleton’s play hasn’t been the same. Now on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a torn ACL in 2024, he’s lost a step in coverage and no longer looks like a reliable starting option at linebacker.
Denver needs more speed and versatility at the second level, especially if they’re eyeing a splash move in free agency. If a player like Devin Lloyd becomes available, Singleton’s role would be redundant. The Broncos need to get younger and more dynamic at linebacker, and that means letting Singleton walk.
John Franklin-Myers - The Numbers Game Catches Up
John Franklin-Myers has been a solid contributor and a locker room favorite, but the financial and roster math just doesn’t work in his favor. Denver has already invested in DJ Jones, Zach Allen, Jonathon Cooper, and Nik Bonitto across the defensive front. Add in 2025 third-round pick Sai’vion Jones, who’s waiting in the wings, and it’s clear the Broncos are leaning younger and cheaper at the position.
JFM still has value as a rotational piece, but the Broncos can’t pay everyone. With depth already in place and a developmental pipeline forming, this is the right time to part ways.
Adam Trautman - Upgrade Needed
Adam Trautman has been a serviceable blocker and a safety valve in the passing game, but he’s never been a difference-maker at tight end-and that’s exactly what Denver needs. The position has been a consistent weak spot, and the 2026 free agent class offers a chance to bring in a more dynamic option. On top of that, the draft class at tight end looks promising, giving the Broncos multiple avenues to upgrade.
Trautman’s skill set is replaceable, and the bar needs to be set higher. If Denver wants to give their quarterback better weapons, tight end is a logical place to start.
PJ Locke - Worth Another Year
PJ Locke may not be a starter anymore, but he’s proven to be a valuable depth piece in the secondary. After starting in 2024, he transitioned into a backup role in 2025 but stepped up late in the season when Brandon Jones went down with a pectoral injury. Locke knows Vance Joseph’s system, plays with physicality, and offers insurance in case of injuries.
A one-year deal makes sense here. He’s not going to command a big salary, and his experience in the scheme makes him a smart retention move as the Broncos continue to build out their defensive backfield.
J.K. Dobbins - Low-Risk, High-Upside Bet
J.K. Dobbins’ injury history is well-documented, but when healthy, he’s been one of the most efficient backs in the league.
Averaging over five yards per carry since entering the league in 2020, Dobbins brings a burst and vision that Denver’s backfield has sorely lacked. He’s also a known quantity in this offense and is clearly respected in the locker room.
With a deep free agent class at running back, Dobbins won’t break the bank. A one-year deal in the $3-6 million range gives the Broncos a low-risk option who could produce at a high level-while still leaving room to add another back via free agency or the draft. This is a smart, flexible move that keeps the position from being a glaring need.
Justin Strnad - Two-Year Investment Makes Sense
Justin Strnad has quietly become one of the more dependable pieces in Denver’s linebacker room. He’s not a star, but he’s a steady presence who’s shown upside as a pass rusher and has been the most reliable linebacker on the roster over the past two seasons. His familiarity with Vance Joseph’s defense adds even more value, especially if the Broncos bring in new faces at the position.
A two-year deal gives Denver stability and leadership at a position that’s still in flux. Strnad might not be the long-term answer, but he’s the kind of floor-raising player every defense needs.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos are entering a critical offseason with clear needs and a chance to reshape the roster. That starts with smart decisions on their own free agents.
Moving on from veterans like Singleton, Franklin-Myers, and Trautman opens the door for upgrades at key positions. Meanwhile, keeping players like Locke, Dobbins, and Strnad provides depth, continuity, and leadership-all essential as Denver looks to take the next step.
The blueprint is there. Now it’s on the front office to execute.