The Denver Broncos are coming off an impressive season, narrowly missing out on a Super Bowl appearance after a tough loss in the AFC Championship Game. The game was marred by a severe snowstorm and the absence of starting quarterback Bo Nix, who broke his ankle in the Divisional Round. With Nix sidelined, the Broncos couldn't capitalize against the New England Patriots, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
Looking ahead, the Broncos are poised to make strategic moves to elevate their game. With Russell Wilson's hefty contract finally off the books-despite it leading to the most dead money in NFL history-the team now has over $26 million in cap space to explore free agency options. This financial flexibility opens doors for impactful signings.
One of the Broncos' priorities will be retaining John Franklin-Meyers, a standout performer over the past two seasons. However, the team also needs to consider other avenues to free up cap space.
Brandon Jones, a key defensive player, had a standout 2024 season with 115 tackles and three interceptions, ranking him as the fifth-best safety according to PFF. However, his performance dipped in 2025 due to an injury in Week 15, paving the way for P.J.
Locke to step up without missing a beat.
With Talanoa Hufanga re-establishing himself as an All-Pro safety, and a strong defensive back lineup including Patrick Surtain and Jahdae Barron, Jones' $9.2 million cap hit might be seen as expendable. Releasing him would result in a manageable $1.8 million dead cap hit, potentially freeing up resources for other signings.
On the quarterback front, Jarrett Stidham's performance in the AFC Championship left much to be desired. Trusted by Sean Payton, Stidham struggled in his starting role against the Patriots, making costly errors, including a backward pass and a late interception.
While the adverse weather conditions and his backup status throughout the season were factors, the performance left Broncos fans questioning his future with the team. With Stidham set to earn $8 million next season, the Broncos might consider moving on to find a new backup for Nix, freeing up additional funds for free agency.
As the offseason unfolds, the Broncos have the opportunity to fine-tune their roster and make strategic decisions that could propel them to the next level. With a solid foundation and newfound financial flexibility, Denver is well-positioned to make a strong push in the upcoming season.