The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a while: financial flexibility and a clear runway to build. With the Russell Wilson dead cap finally off the books, Denver is no longer tethered to the financial weight of a deal that didn’t pan out. They absorbed the hit early-$53 million in 2024 and another $32 million in 2025-and now they’re in position to move forward with a clean slate.
That reset couldn’t come at a better time. The Broncos are fresh off a season where they looked like legitimate contenders, even while dealing with a wave of injuries.
They made a deep playoff push without their starting quarterback, starting running back, and two of their top three wide receivers. Add to that the absence of standout safety Brandon Jones, and you start to get a sense of how resilient this team was.
They didn’t just survive-they competed.
Now, with the cap situation stabilized and a full slate of draft picks at their disposal, the front office has a chance to go on the offensive-literally and figuratively. General Manager George Paton didn’t mince words during his end-of-season press conference. “We’ll be aggressive in filling these needs,” he said, addressing the roster gaps that have lingered for more than a year.
That’s exactly what Broncos fans needed to hear.
Last offseason, Denver had clear holes at wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Fast forward a year, and those needs still exist.
But this time, the team’s in a much better position to address them. The Broncos aren’t just trying to patch holes-they’re looking to build a roster that can get them over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
And with the core of the team already showing it can contend under adverse conditions, the urgency to add playmakers is real. Whether it’s a big-name trade to bring in a dynamic offensive weapon, or a splash in free agency to shore up depth, expect Denver to be active on multiple fronts. That goes for the defense, too, where reinforcements could help push this unit from good to elite.
The Broncos have essentially backed themselves into a corner-but it’s the kind of corner you want to be in. They’re close.
They’ve proven they can hang with the league’s best, even while shorthanded. Now the goal is to close the gap, and Paton made it clear they won’t be sitting on their hands.
How aggressive will they be? That remains to be seen.
But what’s clear is this: Denver isn’t planning to let another offseason go by without taking their shot. And with the resources finally aligned, the Broncos are poised to make some serious noise.