The Denver Broncos are riding high in what's shaping up to be their most promising season in years. With playoff hopes soaring and whispers of a potential Super Bowl run echoing through Broncos Country, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment.
But as every NFL front office knows, success in December doesn’t stop the business of football from rolling on. And once this season wraps, Denver’s decision-makers will face some tough calls.
The Broncos have already been active in locking down key contributors for the future. Courtland Sutton, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Wil Lutz, Luke Wattenberg, and Malcolm Roach have all inked new deals this season-moves that show a clear commitment to continuity and core building. But with the salary cap always looming and roster spots limited, not everyone can stay.
Here’s a look at five Broncos who may be playing their final snaps in orange and blue.
John Franklin-Myers, DL
When the Broncos traded for John Franklin-Myers during the 2024 NFL Draft, they weren’t just adding depth-they were bringing in a difference-maker. And Franklin-Myers has delivered.
His impact on the defensive front has been undeniable, offering both versatility and pressure up front. But with his contract set to expire, the financial reality is hard to ignore.
Denver has already prioritized keeping Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto-two pillars of the defensive front moving forward. Add in the team’s decision to trade back into the third round to grab Sai’vion Jones, and it’s clear the Broncos have been planning for life after JFM.
It’s not a knock on his talent-it’s a numbers game. Unless something unexpected happens, Franklin-Myers is likely to price himself out of Denver.
P.J. Locke, Safety
Opportunity knocks for P.J. Locke, and it couldn’t come at a more pivotal time.
With Brandon Jones sidelined by a pectoral injury, Locke is stepping into a starting role in a defense that’s hitting its stride. For Locke, this is more than just a chance to contribute-it’s an audition for his future.
Locke will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent after the season. If he thrives in this expanded role, he could play himself into a new contract-either in Denver or elsewhere. But if the Broncos decide to go in a different direction, Locke’s performance down the stretch could still earn him a starting job on another roster.
J.K. Dobbins, RB
J.K. Dobbins' time in Denver has been a rollercoaster.
When healthy, he’s shown flashes of being one of the most dynamic backs in the league. But once again, injuries have been the story.
A foot injury in Week 10 derailed what had been a strong campaign, and now the question is whether the Broncos will roll the dice on him again.
There’s still a sliver of hope that Dobbins could return if the Broncos make a deep playoff run. If he does-and if he contributes-he could make a case for another one-year deal.
But it’s hard to ignore the pattern. The Chargers let him walk last offseason despite solid production, choosing instead to invest in Najee Harris and a first-round pick in Omarion Hampton.
Denver will have to decide whether RJ Harvey is ready to lead the backfield full-time or if Dobbins is worth another short-term bet. The upside is there, but so is the risk.
Drew Sanders, LB
This one’s tough, but the writing is on the wall. Drew Sanders just hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
Injuries have derailed what looked like a promising career when the Broncos took him in the third round. Unfortunately, availability is the most important ability in the NFL, and Sanders hasn’t been able to offer much in that department.
It’s hard to justify keeping a roster spot tied up in a player who’s rarely suited up. Barring a dramatic turnaround, the Broncos may have to move on.
Mike McGlinchey, OT
Now here’s where things get interesting. Mike McGlinchey was one of the Broncos’ marquee free agent signings in 2023, landing a five-year, $87.5 million deal to anchor the offensive line. And while he hasn’t been a liability, he also hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations that come with that kind of payday.
If Denver is looking to create cap space in 2026, McGlinchey could be a candidate for a post-June 1 release. That move would free up $17.5 million against the cap-albeit with a $6.2 million dead money hit. It’s not a decision the team would take lightly, but it’s one that’s on the table.
The Broncos could opt to give Frank Crum, a former undrafted free agent, a longer look or target a replacement in the draft. McGlinchey’s future in Denver may depend on how the front office balances performance, potential, and the bottom line.
The Bigger Picture
These decisions won’t be easy, especially if the Broncos make the kind of postseason run fans are dreaming about. But the NFL is a year-round chess match, and roster management is a key part of staying competitive.
For now, these five players still have a role to play. And if they can help push this team deep into January-or even February-they’ll be remembered fondly in Denver, regardless of where they suit up next.