Denver Broncos: Climbing the Final Peak
The Denver Broncos came within a hair – or perhaps an ankle injury – of reaching the championship game. Despite the disappointment of their AFC Championship Game defeat, the season was overwhelmingly positive. Denver secured a playoff berth for the second consecutive year, establishing the best record in the conference and solidifying a strong foundation. Now, as the league prepares for a new season with the financial flexibility afforded by the departure of Russell Wilson’s contract, the Broncos have the opportunity to elevate their roster and contend for a Super Bowl title. That means addressing the areas where the team still falls short.
The Objective: Bolstering the Offensive Sector
Even after finishing last season with a 14-3 record, the Broncos have areas that require improvement. The playoffs demonstrated that the offense, while capable, remains too fragile to consistently compete at the highest level. Denver ranked 14th in the league in points scored per game (23.6) and was the second-worst team in the NFL in dropped passes. Addressing the receiver and tight end positions is paramount, but improvements to the running game are also crucial. While J.K. Dobbins provided an early spark, his injury derailed the Broncos’ ground attack, reverting them to previous struggles.
The Cornerstones of the Denver Broncos
Leading the charge for Denver are three key players: Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto and Quinn Meinerz.
At 25 years traditional, Patrick Surtain II is the undisputed leader of a stellar defense. Named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for 2024, Surtain has become a nightmare matchup for opposing quarterbacks. His dominance forces offenses to avoid throwing in his direction, a challenge for any receiver. The impact of Surtain is directly correlated to the pressure generated by the defensive line, with notable contributions from Zach Allen, Jonathon Cooper, and Nik Bonitto.
Bonitto’s emergence as a pass rusher was a key factor in the Broncos’ defensive success. He recorded 40 pressures, 15 sacks, and forced four fumbles, contributing significantly to the team’s impressive 68 sacks total. These numbers solidified his position as one of the league’s premier pass rushers and earned him consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
On the offensive side, the offensive line provides a foundation of stability. Garett Bolles enjoyed a career year, and Quinn Meinerz has become a cornerstone at guard. Meinerz excels in both pass protection and run blocking, earning recognition as the best guard in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) and a second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection.
The Unwanted: Evan Engram (TE)
Among the team’s high-profile free agent signings, tight end Evan Engram was arguably the most anticipated. Sean Payton envisioned Engram as a versatile “joker” who could create mismatches and stretch defenses. Though, it was Talanoa Hufanga who made a significant impact, while Engram underperformed. His statistics fell short of expectations: 50 receptions, 461 yards, and only one touchdown, coupled with eight dropped passes. For a player with a $23 million contract over two seasons, the production was insufficient.
Engram is likely to receive another opportunity. Potential savings from his contract are minimal (around $3 million), and the lack of viable alternatives favors his retention. He will demand to demonstrate a return to form, approaching 1,000 receiving yards, to justify his continued role.
Key Free Agents for the Denver Broncos
The Broncos face several key free agency decisions, including John Franklin-Myers (DT), J.K. Dobbins (RB), Alex Singleton (LB), Justin Strnad (LB), and P.J. Locke (S). Additional players facing free agency include Adam Trautman (TE), Michael Burton (FB), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR), Quinn Bailey (OT), Jaleel McLaughlin (RB), and Tyler Badie (RB).
A potential casualty of the team’s depth could be defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers. After two strong seasons, he may seek a contract commensurate with his value elsewhere, particularly with Denver having extended D.J. Jones and Zach Allen. The linebacker position presents the most uncertainty, with Dre Greenlaw and Drew Sanders frequently sidelined by injuries. The Broncos must decide on the futures of Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.
On offense, J.K. Dobbins appears likely to return, expressing his affection for Denver and potentially being available at a reasonable price given his injury history.
Top 5 Needs for the Denver Broncos
- Linebacker
- Receiver
- Running Back
- Tight End
- Defensive Tackle
With two starting inside linebackers, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, hitting free agency, Denver needs to address the position. Re-signing both may be financially impractical, especially given Strnad’s potential demand for a guaranteed starting role. Singleton, nearing age 33, also suffered a significant injury in 2024. A two-year deal with a majority of the compensation guaranteed in 2026 could be a mutually beneficial solution.
The offensive needs are numerous. Behind Courtland Sutton, only Pat Bryant appears to have the potential to develop into a reliable number two receiver. However, he needs time and improved health. Denver may explore options in free agency (Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs) or through a trade (Jaylen Waddle). The running back position also requires attention, with Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and J.K. Dobbins all pending free agents. A strong free agent class (Tyler Allgeier, Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle) presents several opportunities. Finally, the tight end position needs an upgrade, potentially through free agency (David Njoku, Cade Otton) or the draft (Kenyon Sadiq).
The New Blood: C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
Georgia has a long tradition of producing top-tier linebackers, and C.J. Allen is the latest standout from the Bulldogs’ defense. Standing 6’0” and weighing 235 pounds, Allen combines intelligence and power. His aggressive style effectively counters the run, while also demonstrating coverage skills and a knack for blitzing, with three sacks this season. Despite his relatively smaller stature, Allen possesses the profile to potentially replace Singleton in the short to medium term.
Other Draft Considerations: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon), Denzel Boston (WR, Washington), KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M).
The Broncos are poised to build on their recent success. Addressing these key needs through free agency and the draft will be crucial as they aim to take the final step and compete for a Super Bowl championship. The AFC West remains a challenging division, but with a focused offseason, Denver can solidify its position as a contender.
The Broncos will begin the 2026 NFL season with a challenging schedule, and fans will be eager to see how the team responds to the offseason changes. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the Denver Broncos as they prepare for the upcoming season.
