After wrapping up their season with a tough loss to the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos are already shifting gears toward 2026. The team has signed six players to reserve/futures contracts-moves that won’t grab headlines but could quietly shape the depth and development of next season’s roster.
Let’s break down what this means and who’s involved.
Futures Contracts: What They Are and Why They Matter
Futures contracts are essentially a way for teams to lock in players for the upcoming offseason and training camp. These deals go into effect at the start of the new league year, but they’re signed now so teams can get a head start on shaping their 90-man offseason roster.
Most of the time, these players spent the year on the practice squad, learning the system and waiting for an opportunity. For the Broncos, it’s a chance to keep evaluating talent that’s already in the building.
Who’s Coming Back?
The Broncos signed six players to futures deals, all of whom spent significant time on the practice squad this past season:
- Deuce Vaughn (RB) - A compact, elusive runner with a knack for making defenders miss in space. Vaughn’s size might limit him in traditional roles, but he brings a change-of-pace element that could be intriguing in Sean Payton’s offense.
- Cody Schrader (RB) - A physical, downhill runner who doesn’t shy away from contact. Schrader showed flashes of toughness and vision during his time on the practice squad and could push for a depth role in a crowded backfield.
- Levelle Bailey (LB) - An athletic linebacker with solid instincts. Bailey’s development will be worth watching as Denver continues to retool its linebacker corps.
- Caleb Lohner (TE) - A raw but intriguing tight end prospect. Lohner is still learning the position at the pro level but has the size and athleticism that make him a worthwhile project.
- Jordan Miller (DT) - A strong interior presence who adds depth to the defensive line. Miller gives the Broncos another body up front as they look to build a more consistent run defense.
- Calvin Throckmorton (G) - The veteran of the group, Throckmorton brings experience and positional flexibility. He’s seen real NFL snaps in the past and could be a valuable swing option on the interior line.
What’s Next?
While these six are locked in, the Broncos have extended offers to several other players who spent time on the practice squad this season. Some of those players are weighing options from other teams, which is common this time of year. The futures contract window is a bit of a free-for-all-teams are trying to retain their developmental guys, while players are looking for the best opportunity to crack a 53-man roster come September.
There’s also a chance more names are added to the futures list soon, especially with head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton set to speak in their end-of-year press conference. That could provide more clarity on how Denver views its current roster and where it’s headed in the offseason.
Big Picture
These aren’t splashy signings, but they’re important. Every year, we see players who started on futures deals end up making a 53-man roster-or even carving out meaningful roles.
For a team like the Broncos, who are still building under Payton’s vision, every roster spot matters. These six players have earned a longer look, and now they’ll get it.
The offseason starts now in Denver. And while the big moves are still to come, these quiet signings could end up playing a bigger role than anyone expects.