The Denver Broncos’ 2025 season came to a heartbreaking halt just one win shy of Super Bowl LX, falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. It was a tough end to what had been a remarkable run-one that saw Denver surge to a 14-3 regular season record, capture the NFC West title, and secure the No. 1 seed.
But the playoff push came at a steep cost, most notably with the loss of starting quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury during the overtime thriller against the Buffalo Bills. That injury thrust Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight, and while the veteran backup had his flashes, the Broncos just couldn’t finish the job.
Now, Sean Payton and his staff face a pivotal offseason. There’s plenty to build on, but also no shortage of questions as the team eyes 2026. Let’s take a closer look at what lies ahead in Denver.
Bo Nix’s Recovery: The Top Priority
The most pressing storyline for the Broncos this offseason revolves around the health of their young quarterback. Bo Nix, who had been steadily growing into the role of franchise leader, suffered a broken right ankle in the final moments of that overtime win over Buffalo. He’s already undergone surgery, and the early timetable puts his recovery at around 12 weeks.
That’s a promising outlook. If all goes according to plan, Nix could return in time to participate in at least part of OTAs and should be full-go for minicamp later in the spring.
That gives Denver a chance to keep continuity heading into training camp-crucial for a team that’s still molding its offensive identity around a second-year quarterback. In short, this injury shouldn’t derail their 2026 plans, but how Nix responds physically and mentally will be closely watched.
Coaching Carousel: Will Denver Lose Key Staffers?
Success often comes with a price, and for the Broncos, that price might be losing some of the minds behind their turnaround. Sean Payton’s staff is now firmly on the radar of teams hunting for new leadership, and two names in particular are drawing attention: defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and offensive pass game coordinator Davis Webb.
Webb, a rising name in coaching circles, has drawn interest from the Raiders and the Bills-both of whom are still in the market for head coaches. He also interviewed with the Ravens before they filled their vacancy.
While Payton still calls the offensive plays, Webb has played a key role in developing the passing game and working with Nix. If he moves on, that’s a big brain drain from a unit that’s still evolving.
Joseph, meanwhile, might be the most significant potential loss. His defense was the backbone of Denver’s playoff run, finishing fourth in scoring defense and leading the league in sacks-including the postseason.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed. The Raiders and Cardinals are among the teams showing interest in Joseph, and if he departs, replicating that defensive dominance won’t be easy.
Denver has talent on that side of the ball, but Joseph’s scheme and leadership were a big part of what made it click.
Offensive Upgrades: Surrounding Nix with More Weapons
If Denver wants to take the next step, the offense needs more firepower-plain and simple. The Broncos struggled to find consistent production from their pass catchers outside of Courtland Sutton, who led the team with 1,017 receiving yards.
Beyond him, it was a revolving door of options: Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims-all flashed, but none seized the WR2 role. And at tight end, Evan Engram never quite became the versatile mismatch weapon Payton envisioned when he dubbed him the offense’s “Joker.”
Denver finished 28th in the league in yards per reception from its wide receiver and tight end groups combined. That’s not the kind of stat you want to see when grooming a young quarterback. The Broncos need to find a reliable secondary option in the passing game-someone who can win on third down, stretch the field, or take pressure off Sutton in key moments.
The backfield also needs attention. After J.K.
Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10, the run game never fully recovered. Rookie RJ Harvey showed flashes but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, and the team as a whole managed only 3.3 yards per rush in the AFC title game.
That lack of a ground threat was glaring-especially with a backup QB under center and snow falling in Foxborough.
With Dobbins set to hit free agency and carrying a concerning injury history, Denver would be wise to explore options at running back. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, finding a dependable, durable back to anchor the run game should be near the top of the offseason checklist.
Free Agency & Draft Capital: Tools to Reload
The Broncos are in a relatively strong position heading into the offseason. They’re projected to have about $35.4 million in cap space-12th most in the league-which gives them flexibility to address key needs.
They’ve also got five picks in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft, including their own first-rounder. That’s enough ammo to either grab impact players or move around the board if they see a chance to strike.
But they’ll also need to make some decisions on their own free agents. Notable names include:
- DL John Franklin-Myers
- LB Alex Singleton
- RB J.K. Dobbins
- S P.J. Locke
- CB Ja’Quan McMillan (restricted)
Retaining core contributors while adding pieces around Nix will be a delicate balancing act. The Broncos aren’t in rebuild mode-they’re contenders. But to stay in that conversation, they’ll need to make smart, calculated moves this offseason.
Bottom line: Denver came up short, but they’re far from done. With a young quarterback on the mend, a defense that showed elite potential, and a head coach who knows how to win, the Broncos are in a solid position heading into 2026. The next few months will be about reinforcing what works, filling in the gaps, and making sure that the next time they get this close, they finish the job.