Broncos Face Critical Offseason: Sean Payton, George Paton Must Reload on Offense
After falling just one win short of the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos are staring down a pivotal offseason. The mission is clear: retool the offense and take that next step.
With Russell Wilson’s contract finally off the books, Denver has something it hasn’t had in years-financial flexibility. And with nearly $30 million in cap space, the front office has the resources to make some noise when free agency opens in March.
This isn’t just about tweaking the roster. It’s about making calculated, aggressive moves to fill glaring needs-especially on the offensive side of the ball. Head coach Sean Payton needs reinforcements, and general manager George Paton has to deliver.
Offensive Overhaul: Running Back, Tight End, and Receiver in Focus
Let’s start with the obvious: Denver’s offense, while improved in 2025, still has holes. The running back room lost steam after J.K.
Dobbins went down midseason. Tight end production was inconsistent.
And while there’s potential at wide receiver, the unit could use another proven playmaker.
Last offseason, the Broncos made the most of limited resources. Despite carrying a $32 million hit for Wilson, they freed up $21 million and put it to work.
The result? A free-agent class that included Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Evan Engram, and Dobbins.
Interestingly, it was Hufanga and Dobbins-arguably the less-hyped signings-who ended up being the most impactful during the regular season. Still, all four contributed to Denver’s run to the No. 1 seed.
This year, the Broncos have more money to work with and an even clearer sense of what they need.
Running Back: Time to Find a True Lead Back
Dobbins was effective until injury sidelined him, and RJ Harvey showed he could carry the load in stretches. But if Denver wants to keep pace with the AFC’s elite, they need a true RB1-and depth behind him.
There’s no shortage of options. Breece Hall leads the pack, but his projected price tag-$12 to $13 million per year-might push Denver out of the running, especially with other teams like the Chiefs and Texans reportedly interested.
Beyond Hall, there’s a strong second tier: Rachaad White, Tyler Allgeier, Rico Dowdle, and Travis Etienne, to name a few. Dobbins could even return, depending on how Payton views his fit and durability.
The key here is finding a back who can thrive in Payton’s system-someone with vision, versatility, and the ability to stay healthy through a 17-game grind.
Tight End: Engram’s Future in Doubt, Options Abound
Evan Engram had moments-his overtime performance against Washington stands out-but consistency was an issue. He’s under contract for 2026, but with a $10 million dead cap hit and only $3 million in savings if cut, Denver has a decision to make. It wouldn’t be cheap to move on, but after absorbing $85 million in dead cap over the past two seasons, the Broncos have shown they’re not afraid to make tough calls.
If they do move on, the tight end market offers some intriguing possibilities.
Kyle Pitts is the name that jumps off the page. He’s coming off a career-best season (928 yards, 5 TDs) and brings rare athleticism to the position.
But he won’t come cheap-Over the Cap projects his next deal at $14 million per year. That’s a hefty price tag, especially if Denver is still carrying Engram’s dead money.
There are other veterans worth watching: David Njoku, Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee, and Darren Waller all bring experience and different skill sets. Njoku, in particular, could be a fit. He’s a nine-year vet who peaked in 2023, and while his production has dipped since, he remains a reliable red-zone target.
Bottom line: if Denver wants to give Bo Nix the best chance to succeed in Year 2, upgrading at tight end is a must.
Wide Receiver, Linebacker, and D-Line: Secondary Needs, But Still Important
While running back and tight end are top priorities, there are other areas that need attention.
Wide receiver could be on the radar unless the Broncos believe Troy Franklin or Pat Bryant are ready to take a big leap. Franklin flashed at times last season, but banking on a breakout without adding insurance would be a gamble.
At linebacker, Alex Singleton’s departure leaves a leadership and production void. And up front, the defensive line could use depth and disruption, especially with the AFC stacked with elite quarterback play.
The Clock Is Ticking
With three weeks until free agency opens on March 9, the Broncos’ front office is officially on the clock. Payton and Paton proved last offseason that they can build a competitive roster even with financial constraints. Now, with more room to maneuver and a clearer vision of what this team needs, they have a chance to take a big swing.
Denver doesn’t just need to make moves-they need to make the right ones. The margin for error in the AFC is razor-thin. But if they can land a dependable running back, a dynamic tight end, and shore up a few other spots, the Broncos could be right back in the mix for a Super Bowl run in 2026.