Broncos Enter Offseason with Cap Space, Draft Picks-and a Decision Looming on George Paton
The Denver Broncos are officially in offseason mode after their AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots, and there’s no shortage of activity in the front office. The team has already made several coaching staff changes and signed multiple players to future contracts, signaling a proactive approach as they look to build on a promising 2025 campaign.
With close to $30 million in cap space and five draft picks within the top four rounds, Denver is in prime position to make meaningful roster upgrades. Whether it’s through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft, the Broncos have the flexibility and resources to take a big swing or two. And if they want to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be-hoisting a Lombardi Trophy-this offseason is going to be critical.
At the center of it all is General Manager George Paton. Now entering the final year of his contract, Paton has been the Broncos’ front office leader since arriving from Minnesota in 2021. Over the past five seasons, he’s played a major role in reshaping the roster and helping guide the franchise back into playoff relevance.
Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner was asked about Paton’s future during his end-of-season press conference. While Penner didn’t offer specifics, he praised the working relationship between Paton and head coach Sean Payton, calling their dynamic “very complementary.” Still, Penner stopped short of confirming any long-term plans regarding Paton’s contract.
“We’d love to have both of them here long term,” Penner said. “In terms of their contracts, those are things that we’ll always deal with on a personal basis in private and take that as it comes.”
That measured response leaves the door open for evaluation, and understandably so. General managers are judged by their ability to build sustainable success, and Paton’s track record in Denver is a mixed bag-but one that arguably tips toward the positive.
Draft Day Wins and Smart Extensions
Paton’s strength has always been in talent evaluation. Since taking over, he’s overseen several strong draft classes that have produced Pro Bowlers and All-Pro caliber players. That’s no small feat, especially considering the Broncos’ struggles in that department under previous regimes.
He’s also been aggressive and forward-thinking when it comes to retaining homegrown talent. Extensions for key contributors like Jonathon Cooper, Quinn Meinerz, Zach Allen, Patrick Surtain II, and Nik Bonitto have helped solidify the team’s core. That kind of roster stability is crucial for any team with championship aspirations.
Free agency has been a bit more of a mixed bag. While there have been some solid additions, not every signing has paid off.
The Randy Gregory deal, for example, didn’t yield the impact Denver was hoping for. But overall, Paton’s hit rate has been respectable, especially when you factor in the team’s recent turnaround.
The Misses: Wilson and Hackett
Of course, no GM’s résumé is spotless, and Paton’s tenure includes two major missteps: the trade and extension of quarterback Russell Wilson, and the hiring of former head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Both decisions drew heavy criticism-and rightfully so. The Wilson deal, in particular, was a massive swing that didn’t connect, and it left the franchise in a difficult spot both financially and on the field.
Moves like that can sink a front office. But credit where it’s due: Paton didn’t fold.
He’s helped steer the Broncos back on course, and the organization has seen internal growth as a result. Several front office staffers have been promoted in recent years, a reflection of the collaborative success Denver has built behind the scenes.
What Comes Next?
The Broncos are in a strong position heading into the 2026 offseason. They’ve got cap space, draft capital, and a roster that’s close-but not quite there. That makes this a pivotal moment not just for the team, but for George Paton as well.
He’s proven he can identify talent. He’s shown he can build a competitive roster. And while there have been bumps along the way, the overall trajectory under his leadership has been one of progress.
Now, the question becomes whether ownership sees enough to commit to Paton long-term. That answer may not come right away, but one thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming months-both on the field and in the front office-will shape the next chapter of Broncos football.