4 Potential Cap Casualties the Denver Broncos Should Be Watching Closely
Every NFL offseason brings a wave of tough decisions for front offices. One of the most common?
Cap casualties - when teams release players to free up space under the salary cap. It’s a harsh reality of the business, often driven by a combination of performance, injuries, and contract size.
And while no team is immune, the Denver Broncos might find themselves both on the giving and receiving end of this yearly roster shuffle.
Take Dre Greenlaw, for example. Injuries limited his availability this past season, and his impact didn’t quite match the expectations that came with his contract. The Broncos could choose to move on from him in 2026, especially if they're looking to reallocate resources elsewhere.
But let’s flip the script for a minute. While Denver may part ways with a few names, they’ll also be keeping a close eye on players cut loose by other teams - players who could fill key roles at a more team-friendly price. With that in mind, here are four potential cap casualties from around the league who could be intriguing fits in Denver.
1. Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills
Dawson Knox has been a steady presence in Buffalo’s offense for seven seasons, but the emergence of Dalton Kincaid has shifted the tight end hierarchy. Unless the Bills’ next head coach leans heavily into two-tight end sets, it’s tough to justify Knox’s contract, especially when his release could free up significant cap space.
If Knox does hit the open market, he’s the kind of versatile piece that could thrive in Denver. He’s a capable blocker and a solid receiver - not elite in either category, but good enough in both to be a legitimate dual-threat option. His 2021 season (587 yards, 9 TDs) still stands as his high-water mark, but the skill set remains intact.
Pairing Knox with Evan Engram in a two-tight end look - with a rookie learning behind them - would give Denver flexibility and depth at the position. In Sean Payton’s offense, tight ends need to be able to do a bit of everything. Knox fits that mold, and if he’s available, expect the Broncos to at least kick the tires.
2. Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears
If Knox is a strong option, Cole Kmet might be an even better one.
Kmet is younger, more athletic, and has shown flashes of being a true No. 1 tight end. His 2023 breakout (73 catches, 719 yards, 6 TDs) looked like the start of something big. But since then, his production has dipped - 77 receptions and 821 yards combined over the last two seasons - and the Bears may have already found their future at the position in Colston Loveland, a 2025 rookie who led the team in receiving.
With Kmet due $11.6 million in 2026, Chicago may decide that’s too much for a TE2. If he becomes a cap casualty, the Broncos should be paying close attention. Kmet brings size, hands, and the ability to stretch the middle of the field - all traits that would complement Denver’s current offensive weapons.
He’s still just entering his prime, and a fresh start in a system that knows how to use tight ends could unlock another level in his game.
3. David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions
David Montgomery’s time in Detroit has been productive, but the writing may be on the wall. With Jahmyr Gibbs taking on a larger role, Montgomery’s usage dropped significantly in 2025 - just 158 carries, the lowest of his career, despite playing all 17 games.
Still, Montgomery remains a tough, downhill runner who thrives in a committee backfield. Over his two seasons with the Lions, he posted 1,015 and 775 rushing yards, followed by 716 this year. That’s consistent production, even in a reduced role.
If the Broncos are looking to replace JK Dobbins or just bolster their backfield, Montgomery makes a ton of sense. He’s the kind of back who can wear down defenses, move the chains, and give you reliable production on early downs.
Yes, he’s logged over 1,400 career carries, which raises some long-term durability questions. But in a 1A/1B setup - something Sean Payton has used effectively in the past - Montgomery could be a valuable piece.
4. Harrison Phillips, DT, New York Jets
This one won’t light up the headlines, but it’s exactly the kind of move that helps build a championship-caliber defense.
Harrison Phillips has quietly been one of the most reliable run-stuffers in the league. He’s started all 17 games in each of the last four seasons and graded out as the 21st-best interior defender (out of 129) by PFF this year. That’s not flashy, but it’s effective - and it’s exactly what the Broncos need in the trenches.
With the Jets already in a healthy cap position after trading Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, they don’t have to cut Phillips. But none of his $7.5 million cap hit is guaranteed, and at 30 years old, he’s set to be one of the highest-paid players on the roster. That’s the kind of situation that often leads to a quiet release.
For Denver, adding Phillips would be a smart, under-the-radar move. The defense showed flashes of dominance in 2025, but struggled to stop the run late in the year. Bringing in a proven veteran like Phillips could help shore up the interior and give the Broncos the kind of physical presence they’ve lacked at times.
Bottom Line
The Broncos have some big decisions to make this offseason, but they also have opportunities. Whether it’s adding a versatile tight end like Knox or Kmet, a dependable back like Montgomery, or a run-stuffing anchor like Phillips, there are potential cap casualties out there who could fill real needs in Denver - and do so at a reasonable price.
These aren’t splashy, headline-grabbing moves. But they’re the kind of additions that win games in December and January. And if the Broncos want to take the next step in 2026, these are exactly the types of players they should be targeting.