After a lopsided 31-7 loss in the Wild Card round to close out the 2024 season, the Denver Broncos made it clear they weren’t satisfied-but their offseason approach raised some eyebrows. Rather than loading up on offensive firepower to help rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos leaned defense, bringing in safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Tight end Evan Engram was the lone notable addition on the offensive side.
Fast forward to now, and the Broncos are coming off a near-miss with a trip to Super Bowl LX just out of reach. That kind of progress puts them in a fascinating spot heading into the 2026 offseason.
The defense looks like a unit built to win now. The offense?
Still a few pieces away. And if Denver wants to take the next step-from contender to favorite-they’ll need to tilt the balance toward giving Nix more help.
The wish list from fans is pretty clear: a top-tier wide receiver, a more traditional between-the-tackles running back, and maybe even some depth along the offensive line. But there’s another angle worth considering-one that could keep the defense operating at a high level while also protecting against some looming roster holes.
Inside linebacker might not be the flashy need, but it’s a real one. Both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are headed for free agency.
Greenlaw, while a difference-maker when healthy, missed half the season due to injury. And Drew Sanders, a promising young piece, didn’t see the field at all after going down in training camp.
That’s a lot of uncertainty at the heart of Vance Joseph’s defense.
One name that’s been floated as a potential fit: Nakobe Dean.
Dean, a former third-round pick by the Eagles in 2022, brings a blend of athleticism and championship pedigree that could quietly make him one of the smarter signings of the offseason. He’s totaled 226 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two recoveries and a pick over his young career. He’s also shown flashes as a disruptive blitzer-something Joseph’s scheme can absolutely maximize.
Of course, there are injury concerns. Dean missed most of the 2023 campaign with a foot issue and was limited to 10 games last season after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee.
But that might also be what keeps his price tag in check. Spotrac projects his next deal to come in just under $8 million per year-reasonable value for a player with upside and experience in winning cultures.
Dean’s résumé includes a national title at Georgia and a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles. That kind of background matters in a locker room looking to take the next step. He knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and that could be a key intangible for a Broncos team that’s trying to turn the corner from potential to production.
So yes, Denver should absolutely be looking to add more weapons for Bo Nix. That’s priority number one.
But don’t sleep on the idea of quietly shoring up the middle of the defense with a player like Dean. It’s not the headline move-but it might be the one that helps the Broncos play into February next year.