Broncos' Offseason Buzz: WR Miss, Coaching Questions, and Bo Nix's Recovery
The Broncos are heading into the offseason with plenty of storylines to follow-some involving what could’ve been, others centered on what’s next. Let’s break down the latest in Denver, from wide receiver targets to coaching decisions and the health of their potential franchise quarterback.
Broncos Miss Out on Stefon Diggs
Denver had its sights set on Stefon Diggs in free agency, but the standout wide receiver ultimately inked a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the Patriots. That’s a significant swing-and-miss for the Broncos, who clearly wanted to upgrade their receiving corps. With Diggs off the table, the focus now shifts to how Denver plans to address the position-especially after a season where drops became a storyline down the stretch.
WR Coach Out After Drop Issues
The departure of wide receivers coach Keary Colbert didn’t exactly catch anyone off guard. Head coach Sean Payton had been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the unit’s performance late in the season, particularly when it came to dropped passes.
Payton emphasized fundamentals, saying, “There’s a proper way to catch a football, and most of the time, it’s with your thumbs together.” That kind of detail-oriented coaching is classic Payton-and it sends a clear message: execution matters, and the margin for error is slim.
Davis Webb’s Coaching Future in Limbo
Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is reportedly in the mix for the Raiders’ head coaching job, but it’s far from a done deal. According to reports, there’s a real divide on whether Webb is ready to take that leap.
While he's seen as a rising coaching talent, some around the league believe a head coaching role might be a bit premature. A return to Denver could be the smarter move for his long-term development-and for the Broncos, continuity on the offensive staff wouldn’t be a bad thing as they work to build around Bo Nix.
Bo Nix’s Ankle Injury: No Cause for Concern
Speaking of Nix, there’s good news on the injury front. The rookie quarterback underwent a minor ankle procedure after the Divisional Round win over Buffalo, but both he and team leadership are downplaying any long-term concerns.
Nix described the surgery as a “very quick procedure” and expects to resume training in 4-6 weeks. Broncos CEO Greg Penner echoed that confidence, saying he has “zero concern” about Nix’s recovery.
Nix also revealed he wasn’t fully aware of the severity of the injury during the game, calling it “a bummer” but expressing pride in how the team finished. That kind of poise and perspective is part of what’s made him an intriguing option under center for Denver.
What’s Next in Free Agency?
With Diggs off the market, the Broncos will need to pivot. Penner hinted at an “opportunistically aggressive” approach in free agency, which suggests they’ll be active-but smart-when it comes to spending. Expect them to target impact players, but don’t look for reckless contracts just to make a splash.
Front Office Stability in Question?
General Manager George Paton is entering the final year of his contract, while Sean Payton is locked in through 2027. Penner made it clear he wants both men around for the long haul, stating, “We’d love to have both of them here long-term.” That’s a strong vote of confidence in Paton, even as his contract situation looms.
Justin Strnad Wants a Bigger Role
Linebacker Justin Strnad is eyeing a multi-year deal and a starting role next season. He’s been a solid contributor on special teams and in rotational duty, but stepping into a full-time starting spot would be a leap. Whether Denver sees him as part of their long-term defensive core remains to be seen, but the interest is clearly mutual.
CB Ja’Quan McMillian’s Future
Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian is set to hit restricted free agency, and while details are scarce, Paton confirmed the team has a strategy in place. McMillian showed flashes this past season and could be a valuable piece moving forward, depending on how the team structures his next deal.
Chiefs: Bieniemy Returns, Kelce’s Future, Mahomes Rehab
Over in Kansas City, the Chiefs are making headlines of their own. Eric Bieniemy is back as offensive coordinator, returning after a stint with the Bears. Bieniemy called the decision to leave Chicago “real, real tough,” but he’s clearly energized by the opportunity to rejoin a familiar system.
When asked about the Chiefs’ run game, Bieniemy emphasized flexibility: “We’re going to make sure we can do the things we can do best.” That’s a coach who understands that scheme should serve personnel-not the other way around.
Owner Clark Hunt also weighed in on two of the franchise’s cornerstones. He’s “hopeful” Travis Kelce will return in 2026 and has full faith in Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from his torn ACL, even suggesting a Week 1 return is in play. That’s bold, but if anyone can beat the timeline, it’s Mahomes.
Raiders: Locked in on Fernando Mendoza?
The Raiders appear to be laser-focused on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. According to reports, the team’s interest is so strong that league sources believe Mendoza should skip all pre-draft workouts-including the Combine, Pro Day, and private throwing sessions-and only meet with the Raiders for interviews and a medical exam.
That’s a rare level of confidence in a prospect and speaks volumes about how much Las Vegas values Mendoza’s potential fit within their system. If true, this could be one of the more unconventional pre-draft approaches we’ve seen in recent years.
As the offseason unfolds, all three AFC teams-Denver, Kansas City, and Las Vegas-are making moves that could shape the direction of the division for years to come. Whether it’s the Broncos building around a young quarterback, the Chiefs retooling for another run, or the Raiders zeroing in on their next signal-caller, the chessboard is already in motion.