Broncos' 2026 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

The Denver Broncos certainly didn't provide the biggest shock of the 2025 NFL season, but their ascension to the AFC's No. 1 seed was nonetheless surprising.

Denver was a playoff team in 2024, so a return trip to the postseason wasn't unexpected. However, few could have predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs would miss the playoffs entirely, while Denver established itself as the new power in the AFC West.

That's exactly how things unfolded, though. While Bo Nix and the Broncos offense weren't as consistent or efficient as coach Sean Payton might have liked, Denver boasted a championship-caliber defense that made up for a lot of blemishes.

What should concern the rest of the AFC is the fact that the Broncos have the potential to be even better in 2026, their third year under Payton.

That's precisely what Payton and general manager George Paton will try to accomplish in the coming weeks, now that their postseason has ended. There are areas of the roster that can be improved, and the Broncos have the assets to address them in both free agency and the draft.

Here's a look at what's in store for Denver in the 2026 offseason.

Free Agents

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Broncos DL John-Franklin Myers

Unrestricted Free Agents

FB Michael Burton

OT Geron Christian

RB J.K. Dobbins

DL John Franklin-Myers

WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey

TE Marcedes Lewis

S P.J. Locke

C Sam Mustipher

LB Alex Singleton

LB Justin Strnad

TE Adam Trautman

S Delarrin Turner-Yell

Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

TE Nate Atkins

RB Tyler Badie

DL Jordan Jackson

S Devon Key

TE Lucas Krull

RB Jaleel McLaughlin

CB Ja'Quan McMillan

G Alex Palczewski

Edge Dondrea Tillman

The Broncos have done a good job of locking up key contributors over the last couple of years, which leaves few truly pivotal players headed to unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is probably Denver's most noteworthy free agent, coming off a season with 7.5 sacks and 23 quarterback pressures. However, Paton may not be eager to give him a market-level deal after already locking up Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, and Jonathan Cooper.

P.J. Locke and Justin Strnad have also been important contributors to Denver's defense, but neither is likely to be viewed as indispensable. Alex Singleton was a full-time starter in 2025, but at 32, he's unlikely to receive a long-term deal.

Offensively, the Broncos aren't in danger of losing much. Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Adam Trautman are role players whose time with Payton goes back to the New Orleans Saints, but they aren't centerpiece players. J.K. Dobbins had some bright moments as a starting back for the Broncos this season, but with RJ Harvey ready for a high-volume role, Dobbins is probably expendable too.

While the Broncos have $35.5 million in projected 2026 cap space, they're unlikely to overpay to keep their own.

Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

TE Dallas Goedert

The Broncos probably won't make any headline-grabbing moves on the trade market this offseason. Denver simply doesn't have the sort of weaknesses on its roster that would warrant giving up significant draft capital.

However, Paton may look to add a promising young contributor on a rookie deal, like wide receiver John Downs, tight end Tucker Kraft, or linebacker Marte Mapu, should one be available at the right price.

Denver may be a bit more aggressive in free agency, where it has the capital to chase some of the biggest names.

A playmaking, pass-catching tight end should be near the top of Denver's wish list. Expect standouts like Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Dallas Goedert to all garner some level of interest from the Broncos.

It would behoove the Broncos to bolster their offensive line, as well. Impending free agents like tackle Braden Smith, guard Wyatt Teller, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and tackle Rasheed Walker should all be on the team's radar. If Dobbins departs, the Broncos may also target a running back like Rico Dowdle or Kenneth Walker III to partner with Harvey.

Denver has a decent amount of receiver depth, but if George Pickens hits the market, it should at least make an inquiry. Nix has good receivers, but he doesn't have a true go-to No. 1 wideout.

The Broncos aren't lacking in defensive talent, either, but they should consider legitimate standouts like linebacker Quay Walker, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, or defensive tackle Teair Tart, provide the price isn't too high.

Denver has drafted well enough over the past few years that it shouldn't look to overpay on the open market for role players.

Draft Needs

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Alabama DL prospect LT Overton

While the Broncos don't have many critical weaknesses, they do have a few positions that should get attention in April. Ideally, Denver will come away from draft weekend with a playmaking pass-catcher, a high-upside linebacker, depth along the defensive line, and a high-ceiling offensive tackle who can take the reins from Mike McGlinchey sooner than later.

McGlinchey has been fine for Denver, but he's inconsistent in pass protection and will carry a cap hit of $23.8 million in each of the next two years.

Prospects like Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Texas A&M receiver Kevin Concepcion, and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq could all be reasonable targets for Denver in Round 1. However, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department paired the Broncos with Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton in its post-regular season mock draft:

"The Alabama product does lack a defining trait and could fall into the 'Jack of all trades, master of none' category, but his skill set can be maximized with a creative defensive coordinator," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department said.

Prospects like Washington receiver Denzel Boston, Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson. Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith, Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr., Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst, and Georgia tight end Oscar Delp should interest the Broncos on Day 2 and early on Day 3.

In all, Denver is set to have nine total draft selections, including one each in the first three rounds and a pair of fourth-round picks. The Broncos also have three seventh-round selections that could be used to help move around the board earlier in the draft.

*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon