After a season that saw the Denver Broncos surge back into national relevance, their 2025 campaign ended in the kind of heartbreak that sticks with a franchise. The Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills had Mile High buzzing, but the celebration was short-lived. News broke that quarterback Bo Nix had suffered a fractured bone in his ankle, sidelining him for the AFC Championship Game-and just like that, the heart of Denver’s offense was out.
Jarrett Stidham stepped in admirably, but against a battle-tested New England Patriots defense, the Broncos’ offense couldn’t find its rhythm. The result: a 10-7 loss that left fans wondering what might have been if Nix had been healthy.
Now, with the season in the rearview mirror and the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Broncos are staring down a pivotal offseason. Holding the 30th overall pick, Denver has two clear paths: trade the pick for a proven playmaker, or invest in the trenches-where this team has quietly built one of the league’s most formidable foundations.
Option 1: Trade the Pick for a Proven Playmaker
Let’s start with the flashier route. Denver’s offense showed plenty of promise in 2025, but also left a lot on the table-especially in the passing game. Dropped passes were a recurring issue, and while Bo Nix’s development was a bright spot, he needs more reliable weapons around him if this team wants to make a deeper postseason run.
That’s why trading the 30th pick for a veteran receiver could be the move. Denver doesn’t need another developmental project-they need someone who can make an immediate impact.
Think established names like Jaylen Waddle, Tee Higgins, or A.J. Brown.
Those are the kinds of players who can tilt the field and make life easier for a young quarterback.
Of course, pulling off a trade like that isn’t easy. But if the Broncos can find a way to land a playmaker without giving up their first-rounder-or use that pick as part of a bigger package-it could be the kind of bold move that pushes them over the top.
Option 2: Reinforce the Trenches
The less glamorous, but arguably more foundational route, is to double down on what got them here in the first place: elite line play.
Since 2023, Denver has quietly built one of the best offensive and defensive lines in football. That dominance in the trenches is a big reason why the Broncos were able to make such a leap last season. But sustaining that success means planning for the future.
Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey have been stalwarts at tackle, but both are now on the wrong side of 30-Bolles turns 34 this year, McGlinchey 31. And here’s a stat that might surprise you: the Broncos haven’t drafted a single offensive tackle since they selected Bolles in the first round back in 2017. That’s nearly a decade without investing draft capital at one of the most important positions in football.
Whether it’s a pure tackle, a versatile guard-tackle hybrid, or a high-upside developmental prospect, Denver needs to start thinking about life after Bolles and McGlinchey. The same goes for the defensive line, where John Franklin-Myers could be headed for free agency. Even if the core remains intact, depth and future-proofing are essential.
The Wild Card: A Move Up for Kenyon Sadiq?
There’s also a third path-one that’s more aggressive and less predictable. If the Broncos fall in love with a specific prospect, like Kenyon Sadiq, they could consider moving up in the draft. That would require some maneuvering, but if the front office believes Sadiq is a game-changer, it’s worth exploring.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are in a strong position heading into the 2026 offseason. They’ve got a young quarterback who showed real promise, a coaching staff that’s proven it can develop talent, and a roster that’s already built to compete.
What they do with the 30th pick will say a lot about how they view their championship window. Whether it’s trading for a veteran receiver, shoring up the trenches, or going all-in on a top prospect, Denver has options-and each one comes with its own kind of upside.
One thing’s for sure: the Broncos aren’t far off. With the right move this offseason, they could be right back in the AFC title mix next year-and maybe this time, with a healthy Bo Nix under center, they’ll finish the job.