Broncos’ 2025 Surge Sets the Stage for an Aggressive Offseason
With five games left in the regular season, the Denver Broncos are chasing their 11th win-and that’s not a sentence many expected to write this year. It’s been a remarkable turnaround, and while the final stretch of the season will ultimately define how far this team can go, Denver’s success to this point has already created something invaluable: flexibility.
The Broncos have built a roster that doesn’t scream for a rebuild or even a major overhaul. Instead, it’s a group that looks ready to compete now-and with the right additions, possibly make a serious postseason run in 2026.
A Roster Built from the Trenches
Much of Denver’s rise can be traced back to how well the front office has drafted and developed talent over the past few seasons. The team has doubled down on its homegrown core, rewarding several key contributors with contract extensions. That kind of stability-especially in the trenches-is a luxury in today’s NFL.
On both the offensive and defensive lines, the Broncos are in great shape heading into next year. Nearly every starter in those units is under contract for 2026. The notable exceptions: defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who’s likely to test the open market, and left guard Ben Powers, who could become a cap casualty depending on how the front office wants to allocate resources.
Still, the Broncos are in an enviable financial position. Thanks to smart structuring of recent deals-including those for Wil Lutz, Malcolm Roach, and Luke Wattenberg-Denver enters the offseason with around $40 million in cap space and 41 players already under contract. That number will dip a bit once they take care of expected tenders for key exclusive-rights and restricted free agents like Ja’Quan McMillian and Alex Palczewski, but the bottom line remains: they’ve got room to make noise.
And with Bo Nix still playing on a rookie contract, the window is wide open to be aggressive.
Let’s break down three potential splash moves Denver could make to level up in 2026.
Splash #1: Reinforcements at Inside Linebacker and Running Back
Inside linebacker is a position to watch. Dre Greenlaw is locked in for 2026, but both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are set to hit free agency. Denver could look to retain one of them for continuity, but if defensive coordinator Vance Joseph gets a head coaching opportunity elsewhere, a new play caller might want to reshape the room.
Luckily for the Broncos, the upcoming free agent class at inside linebacker is deep. Names like Quay Walker, Leo Chenal, Demario Davis, Devin Lloyd, Devin Bush, Kaden Elliss, and Quincy Williams are expected to be available. That gives Denver options-whether they want a proven veteran or a younger player with upside.
Of course, the draft could also be a route here. It’s shaping up to be a strong class at linebacker, and the Broncos might prefer to develop someone on a rookie deal to complement Greenlaw.
On the offensive side, running back is another position where Denver could make a significant upgrade. After J.K.
Dobbins went down, the ground game lost some of its punch. And while Dobbins could be brought back, the front office might aim higher.
Top-tier backs like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Tyler Allgeier, and Brian Robinson could all be on the market. Yes, spending big on a running back in free agency is often debated-but when you’ve got a young quarterback like Nix, a reliable run game can be a quarterback’s best friend. A true workhorse back would bring balance to the offense and help the Broncos control games in the postseason.
Splash #2: Swinging Big for a Game-Changer via Trade
Every offseason brings at least one blockbuster trade that catches the league off guard. Just look at what happened when the Cowboys shipped Micah Parsons to Green Bay in a stunner earlier this year.
Could Denver be the next team to shake things up?
There’s already been buzz that the Broncos were exploring wide receiver trades at the deadline, and that interest could carry into the offseason. If a star like Justin Jefferson were to become available-say, if Minnesota’s quarterback situation continues to spiral-it would be hard for any team not to at least make a call.
No one’s saying it’s likely, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility either. Jefferson’s talent is undeniable, and a player of that caliber could instantly elevate Denver’s offense.
Even if Jefferson stays put, there are always surprise names that hit the market. Denver has the cap space and draft capital to be a player in those conversations.
Adding a true X-factor to the passing game would give Bo Nix a dynamic weapon and make this offense even more difficult to defend.
Splash #3: A Bold Move Up the Draft Board
The Broncos’ current trajectory means they’ll be picking toward the back of the first round in April. That’s a good problem to have-it means you’re winning-but it also makes it harder to land elite, Day 1-impact players without some maneuvering.
Denver could stay put and let the board come to them. GM George Paton has had success doing just that. But if there’s a prospect they fall in love with-especially one who could fill a key need or provide a spark-they have the assets to move up.
The upcoming college football playoff, bowl season, Senior Bowl, and NFL Combine will all play a role in shaping the draft board. And as we’ve seen in past years, Denver isn’t shy about trading up when they identify their guy.
This roster is already in a strong place. But adding a blue-chip rookie at a premium position? That could be the kind of move that pushes them from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat.
A Window Worth Capitalizing On
The Broncos have done the hard part-building a foundation that can compete. Now comes the fun part: fine-tuning the roster to take that next step. With financial flexibility, a strong core, and a young quarterback on a rookie deal, Denver is in a rare position of strength.
Whether it’s free agency, a blockbuster trade, or a bold move up the draft board, the Broncos have the resources and momentum to make a serious splash this offseason. If they play their cards right, 2025 could be remembered as the year the Broncos turned the corner-and 2026 as the year they kicked the door down.