As the Denver Broncos gear up for what could be a pivotal offseason, the front office finds itself at a crossroads. With a projected $28.8 million in cap space and a roster that’s knocking on the door of true contention, the time to act is now. But before they can dive into the free-agent pool, they’ve got to take care of their own house first.
Eleven Broncos from last year’s roster are set to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year opens on March 11. Some are cornerstone pieces.
Others? Not so much.
Here’s a breakdown of those players - ranked from least to most critical - and how Denver should approach each one.
11. Marcedes Lewis, TE
Marcedes Lewis made history as the oldest tight end to ever play in an NFL game, but at 41, he’s more of a locker room presence than an on-field contributor. Sean Payton has long admired Lewis, dating back to his Saints days, and finally got him in a Broncos uniform. But Lewis has already said 2025 would be his final season - and after 18 years in the league, it’s time to let the veteran ride off into the sunset.
10. Sam Mustipher, C
Mustipher was a midseason insurance policy after injuries ravaged the Broncos’ center depth. He filled in when needed, but with Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth expected back healthy, there’s little incentive to bring Mustipher back. Denver can look elsewhere - or internally - for depth.
9. Michael Burton, FB
Payton’s offense has a place for a fullback, and Burton has been a reliable one over the years. But a preseason hamstring injury opened the door for Adam Prentice, who stepped in and held his own.
Given his performance and youth, Prentice feels like the future at the position. Burton’s role in Denver may have quietly come to an end.
8. Sam Ehlinger, QB
Ehlinger didn’t make waves on the field, but he was a steady presence in the QB room. With Bo Nix locked in as the starter and Jarrett Stidham holding down the backup role, Ehlinger’s value is more about continuity and culture. If he’s open to returning on a team-friendly deal, there’s no harm in keeping him around as a third-string option.
7. Lil'Jordan Humphrey, WR
Humphrey wasn’t on the Week 1 roster - he started the year with the Giants - but when he became available, Denver brought him back, even cutting their own free-agent signee, Trent Sherfield, to do so. Payton clearly likes what Humphrey brings, especially as a blocker.
Still, this receiver room needs a serious upgrade. Between Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant, the Broncos have young talent to develop.
If they land a true WR1, there might not be room for Humphrey in 2026.
6. Adam Trautman, TE
Another Payton favorite, Trautman has been a steady presence but not a difference-maker. Denver’s tight end group has struggled to find consistency in the passing game, and Evan Engram - expected to be the top option - didn’t move the needle last season.
Trautman’s return likely hinges on whether the Broncos find a better option in free agency or the draft. With Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull still under contract, Denver has options, but they need more production from this group.
5. P.J. Locke, S
Locke stepped up when Brandon Jones went down with a pectoral injury - and he didn’t just hold the line, he made plays. His postseason performance, including an interception and a forced fumble, showed he can be more than just a depth piece.
If Locke walks, Denver will need someone like Devon Key or JL Skinner to make a big leap. That’s a gamble.
Locke may not be a star, but he’s proven he can be trusted when it matters.
4. John Franklin-Myers, DL
Let’s be clear: Franklin-Myers is the most talented free agent on this list. The issue is cost.
He’s going to command serious money on the open market, and the Broncos would need to make significant cap adjustments to keep him. As much as they’d love to retain him, it might not be feasible.
If Franklin-Myers leaves, Denver needs to have a succession plan in place - and fast.
3. J.K. Dobbins, RB
Dobbins was a revelation for Denver in 2025 - until a foot injury in Week 10 derailed his season. By all accounts, he could’ve returned had the Broncos made it to Super Bowl LX.
The question now is whether they can trust his health moving forward. If they go after a top-tier back like Breece Hall, Dobbins becomes expendable.
But if they’re looking to keep costs down and roll with a committee that includes RJ Harvey, there’s still a place for Dobbins - assuming he’s healthy.
2. Alex Singleton, LB
Singleton led the team in tackles again this year, which is no small feat considering he missed time due to a cancer scare. His toughness and leadership are undeniable.
But he’s 32, and his limitations in pass coverage are becoming more apparent. Denver has to weigh his experience and production against the need to get younger and faster at the position.
1. Justin Strnad, LB
Strnad has been the next man up for two seasons running, filling in admirably when injuries hit both Singleton and Dre Greenlaw. At this point, he might be the better option.
He’s younger, more athletic, and would come at a lower cost. If the Broncos are choosing between Singleton and Strnad - and they probably are - the arrow points toward the younger linebacker.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos have a real opportunity in front of them. With a solid cap situation and a roster that’s close, how they handle their own free agents will shape the rest of their offseason strategy.
Some decisions - like letting Marcedes Lewis walk - are straightforward. Others, like choosing between Singleton and Strnad or deciding on J.K.
Dobbins’ future, will require a deeper look at both performance and potential.
One thing’s clear: Denver doesn’t have time to waste. If they want to keep that Super Bowl window open, every move - starting with these 11 free agents - has to be calculated, strategic, and focused on the bigger picture.