Broncos Enter Offseason with Fresh Cap Space, Bo Nix Recovery, and a Critical Look at the Run Game
Sunday’s playoff loss to the Patriots will linger in Denver for a while - and rightfully so. It was the kind of gut-punch that sticks with a team through the winter.
But for Sean Payton and the Broncos, that sting isn’t just pain - it’s motivation. The head coach made it clear in his end-of-season press conference: the 2026 reset is already underway, and this time, they’re playing with a full deck.
No More Dead Cap - and That Changes Everything
For the first time in years, the Broncos are heading into an offseason without the weight of Russell Wilson’s dead cap dragging them down. That’s not just a bookkeeping note - it’s a game-changer.
Payton described the offseason as a reset of the game board, a process he often references. Every team starts over, but Denver’s starting line is a lot more favorable this time around.
“We go back to the start of the race,” Payton said. “Like every 32 teams has to go back, go meet their parents, eat their oranges and get ready to start again.”
That’s classic Payton - part metaphor, part message. The Broncos aren’t building from scratch, but they are building with more tools than they’ve had in a while.
With Wilson’s cap hit finally off the books, Denver has the flexibility to be aggressive in free agency. And with a foundational piece like Bo Nix still on his rookie deal, the Broncos can afford to spend in areas that need reinforcement.
Payton put it plainly: “If I say I’m going to give you $15,000 to decorate your home or $200,000… it’s going to look nicer. If you’re a decent shopper, if you have more money.”
The message? Denver has the financial firepower to upgrade this roster - but they’ve got to be smart about it.
Payton emphasized the importance of disciplined evaluation and strategic decision-making in both the draft and free agency. This isn’t about throwing money around; it’s about using it wisely.
Bo Nix: The Franchise QB and His Recovery Timeline
Bo Nix was the steadying force in Denver’s 2025 campaign. His poise, command, and growth as a rookie helped elevate the entire offense.
That’s what made his injury in the Divisional Round against Buffalo such a brutal blow. A fractured bone in his ankle ended his season - and with it, the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes.
The good news? Surgery was successful, and there’s no long-term concern about the injury. Nix is already back in the facility, working through the early stages of rehab - scooter laps included.
“He’s doing well,” Payton said. “He’s fidgety to begin with… he might have been just getting his scooter laps in.”
That’s the kind of detail that tells you everything about Nix’s mindset. He’s not wired to sit still. And while he won’t be back on the field tomorrow, Payton sounded confident that the recovery will be strong.
Interestingly, the surgery revealed that the fracture occurred in a spot that was already predisposed to injury.
“It wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when,” Payton said.
That’s not ideal, but it does mean the issue has been addressed before it could become a chronic problem. Nix’s competitive edge and commitment to the process are already showing up in how he’s attacking rehab. He’s the kind of player you build around - and Denver knows it.
Fixing the Run Game: A Top Offseason Priority
As the Broncos look toward 2026, one area that demands serious attention is the run game. It was inconsistent all season, and the loss of J.K. Dobbins - who was among the league’s top rushers at the time - was a blow they never fully recovered from.
Payton isn’t shying away from the issue. In fact, he’s making it one of the focal points of the offseason.
“I said, ‘Look,’ it’s probably a series of answers to that,” Payton told offensive line coach Zach Strief. “What we’re doing. I feel like we’re far enough along with the RPOs… but when we want to run it under center and control a game, we’ve been able to do it a few times, but not as much as I’d like.”
There’s the crux of it. The Broncos showed flashes of a power run game, but never enough consistency to lean on it when it mattered most. Payton wants that to change - and fast.
He spoke about the need for flexibility: being able to run from the gun, but also having the personnel and mindset to line up in two-back or multiple tight end sets and impose their will. That’s the kind of versatility that good offenses thrive on - and right now, Denver doesn’t have it dialed in.
Whether that means tweaking the scheme, changing up the personnel, or both, remains to be seen. But expect the Broncos to invest time and resources into making sure the run game is more than just a complementary piece in 2026.
The Road Ahead
This offseason feels different in Denver - and for good reason. The cap space is back.
The quarterback is in place. The foundation has been laid.
Now it’s about building on that with precision and purpose.
There’s no carryover from 2025, as Payton reminded everyone. Every team starts fresh. But the Broncos are starting with a clearer path than they’ve had in years - and a head coach who knows exactly what needs to be fixed.
If they can get Nix healthy, shore up the run game, and make smart moves in free agency, 2026 might just be the year Denver turns the corner from playoff hopeful to serious contender.