The Denver Broncos are staring down one of their most pivotal offseasons in over a decade - and for good reason. With a legitimate shot at contending, the franchise finds itself in a rare position: the core is largely intact, the championship window is open, and the roster holes, while few, are significant enough to demand smart, calculated moves.
This isn't a rebuild. It's a refinement.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into free agency - who’s potentially on the move, who might be sticking around, and where Denver could look to reload.
Unrestricted Free Agents: Key Decisions Ahead
The Broncos have a handful of notable unrestricted free agents set to hit the open market in March. These are players free to sign elsewhere unless Denver makes a move to retain them before the new league year begins.
Here’s the list:
- DL John Franklin-Myers
- ILB Alex Singleton
- RB J.K. Dobbins
- TE Adam Trautman
- ILB Justin Strnad
- S P.J. Locke
- FB Michael Burton
- TE Marcedes Lewis
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- C Sam Mustipher
- QB Sam Ehlinger
Let’s start with the headliners. John Franklin-Myers and Alex Singleton have been important pieces, but it’s tough to see both returning - especially given the cap implications and the team’s long-term vision.
Franklin-Myers brings veteran presence and pass-rushing ability, but Denver may opt to get younger and cheaper along the defensive front. Singleton, a tackling machine, has been steady, but his role could be filled internally or through the draft.
J.K. Dobbins is an intriguing case.
When healthy, he’s dynamic. But that’s the rub - health.
Denver may kick the tires on a short-term deal, but even that feels like a long shot.
Tight end Adam Trautman, safety P.J. Locke, and wideout Lil’Jordan Humphrey are all candidates for team-friendly deals.
Each offers value in depth and scheme fit. Trautman, in particular, has familiarity with the coaching staff and could be a reliable piece in two-TE sets.
Locke showed flashes when given the opportunity and fits the mold of a rotational safety who can contribute on special teams.
Justin Strnad, meanwhile, appears headed for a fresh start elsewhere. He’s made it clear he wants a chance to start, and that opportunity likely won’t come in Denver.
Restricted Free Agents: Tender Time
Restricted free agents (RFAs) are a different animal. These players can negotiate with other teams, but the Broncos can retain them by placing a qualifying tender - and potentially receive draft compensation if they leave.
Denver’s RFA list:
- DL Matt Henningsen
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian
- TE Lucas Krull
- G Alex Palczewski
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin
- TE Nate Adkins
Ja’Quan McMillian - or "J-Mac" - has been a breakout story in the secondary. He’s earned not just a tender, but likely a longer-term look.
Denver would be wise to lock him up before his price tag climbs. Guard Alex Palczewski is another player who seems poised to receive a healthy tender.
He’s shown promise and could factor into the offensive line rotation in 2026.
The tight ends - Krull and Adkins - are developmental pieces, but there’s enough upside to warrant keeping them around. Jaleel McLaughlin, the electric back with burst and vision, is another name to watch. He’s flashed serious potential and could be a key change-of-pace option moving forward.
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents: No-Brainers
Exclusive-rights free agents (ERFAs) have fewer than three accrued seasons and can’t negotiate with other teams if tendered. These are typically low-cost, low-risk decisions - and for Denver, they’re pretty straightforward.
Here’s who’s on that list:
- EDGE Dondrea Tillman
- DL Jordan Jackson
- S Devon Key
- RB Tyler Badie
Expect all four to be retained. They offer depth, special teams value, and upside. No need to overthink this.
Potential Targets: Where Denver Could Look to Add
Looking beyond their own roster, the Broncos will have an eye on the broader free agent market - and while many of the big names will be re-signed before March, there’s still plenty of talent that could shake loose.
Some names that align with Denver’s needs:
- Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Romeo Doubs, Rashid Shaheed, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk
- Tight Ends: Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert, Isaiah Likely
- Running Backs: Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne, Rachaad White
- Linebackers: Devin Lloyd, Leo Chenal, Quay Walker, Devin Bush
- Safeties: Kamren Curl, Bryan Cook
- Guards: Alijah Vera-Tucker, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, Ed Ingram, Dylan Parham, John Simpson
Denver’s biggest needs? Guard, linebacker, safety - and yes, the perpetual hunt for difference-makers at running back and tight end continues. Adding another wide receiver wouldn’t hurt either, especially if the team wants to give its quarterback more weapons in a competitive AFC.
The defensive line market is thin this year, so if Denver wants to add depth there, the draft might be the better route.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos are in a rare position of strength heading into the offseason. They’re not scrambling to rebuild - they’re fine-tuning a roster that’s already close. The front office has some tough decisions to make, especially when it comes to retaining key veterans versus injecting youth and upside.
But make no mistake: this offseason matters. With the right moves, Denver can solidify itself as a true contender in 2026.
The margin for error is slim, but the opportunity? It’s as big as it’s been in years.