With the NFL offseason almost wrapped up and training camp coming to a close soon, it’s a good time to take a look at each NFL team’s offseason recap as we get just a few weeks away from the start of the regular season. Let’s take a look at the Denver Broncos’ new team and analyze the team’s incoming and outgoing players as they shape up for the 2026 season.
The Broncos are entering the 2026 season with some serious steam after finishing the 2025 season with a 14-3 record and making it to the AFC Championship Game. It was the Broncos’ best season in nearly a decade, and they had the potential to go even further in the playoffs, but their starting quarterback Bo Nix injured his ankle in the playoffs. Denver had a calculated free agency period, retaining most of their core players from their elite defense and making a few moves on offense to better support Nix for the 2026 season.
The biggest move of Denver’s offseason was trading for receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. The Broncos acquired Waddle and the No. 111 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from Miami in exchange for their No. 30, No. 94 and No. 130 picks. The Broncos gave up most of their valuable 2026 draft capital in exchange for Waddle, but they are getting a true speedy receiver who already has three 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his first five seasons in the league. Waddle will now pair with receiver Courtland Sutton, and the Broncos will hope their new duo can not only help Nix but be the push they need to win the Super Bowl.
The Broncos didn’t make too many other major moves in free agency, but did extend both J.K. Dobbins and linebacker Alex Singleton. Dobbins had a solid first season with Denver in 2025, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns. He’s has suffered three major surgeries since his time in the NFL, but the Broncos clearly value his ability when he’s on the field, giving him a two-year deal worth $20 million.
The Broncos also brought back their tackle machine in Alex Singleton, signing him to a two-year deal worth up to $15.5 million. Singleton came back from injury in 2025 and racked up 135 total tackles, making it three out of four years in Denver where he’s totaled 100+ tackles.
The Broncos didn’t lose too many starters in free agency but did lose a few veterans in Dre Greenlaw, John Franklin-Myers and P.J. Locke. Franklin-Myers may be the most impactful loss production-wise, as he totaled a career-high 7.5 sacks last year with Denver. He had two solid seasons with Denver, but left in free agency to sign a three-year, $63 million deal with the Titans.
Greenlaw only played in eight games for Denver last season, but is a highly talented linebacker when healthy. He opted to return to the 49ers over the offseason on a one-year, $7.5 million deal. Locke also departed to the Cowboys on a one-year, $5 million deal after playing in 16 games for the Broncos last year. Overall, Denver lost a few starters on defense but shouldn’t be too worried as they still have one of the most complete defensive squads in the league.
Having given up most of their early 2026 draft picks in the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos’ first selection was in the third round, but they still had seven total draft picks. Their third-round pick was used on defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim out of Texas A&M with the 66th overall pick. Onyedim will help replace the loss of Franklin-Myers and adds to a deep defensive front unit.
The Broncos then used their next two draft picks on the offensive side of the football, drafting running back Jonah Coleman and offensive lineman Kage Casey. Coleman is a physical running back who adds depth behind Dobbins and Harvey, and Casey also has positional versatility on the line and is listed as a backup guard.
Overall, the Broncos didn’t make too many big moves this offseason outside of their big trade for Waddle. The Broncos’ roster led by Sean Payton finally came together in 2025, and it’s clear they didn’t want to mess with a roster that already found success and won 14 games last year. Bo Nix has already had two impressive seasons under center, but the addition of Waddle should help open up the offense and the running game.
The defense, on the other hand, is already one of the deepest and most consistent units in the league and once again will be led by Vance Joseph in 2026. The defense is still being led by Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, Talanoa Hufanga, and All-Pro and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, and they should figure to have another big season for the Broncos. With Bo Nix entering his third NFL season and seemingly improving each year, the Broncos have all the tools necessary to get past their AFC Championship appearance last season and be one of the top contenders in the AFC to win the Super Bowl.
Make sure to check out our NFL page for more content like this!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
