Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos push toward a potential Super Bowl run in 2026, their off-season plans—free agency and the NFL Draft—will be critical to shoring up weaknesses, preserving core talent, and building a roster that can compete for years. Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos breaks down the team’s priorities, from re-signing key pending free agents to targeting impact players in free agency and identifying draft prospects who can fill immediate gaps. For general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton, this off-season isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about balancing short-term success (capitalizing on their 10-3 start) with long-term sustainability (locking up young stars and developing future contributors). With a manageable salary cap situation and multiple early-round draft picks, the Broncos have the tools to address their biggest needs—wide receiver depth, defensive line reserves, and slot cornerback—while keeping their championship window open.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos begins with free agency priorities, starting with re-signing pending free agents who have become critical to the team’s success. The top priority is defensive tackle Mike Purcell, a run-stopping specialist who returned from a knee injury in Week 15 and immediately stabilized the Broncos’ interior defense. Purcell, who turns 33 in March, has been a fan favorite in Denver for his physicality and leadership, and re-signing him would avoid a major gap in the defensive line rotation. The Broncos also need to address their slot cornerback position, with pending free agent Essang Bassey struggling to replace the injured K’Waun Williams this season. Potential external free-agent targets here include James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles), a veteran slot corner with 10 interceptions over the last two seasons, and Adoree’ Jackson (New York Giants), who can play both slot and outside corner. At wide receiver, the Broncos may target a reliable slot receiver like Hunter Renfrow (Las Vegas Raiders) to complement Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., as Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to test free agency. “Free agency is about filling immediate needs without overspending,” said Paton in a recent interview. “We want to keep our core together while adding players who can make an impact right away.”

A key part of Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos is salary cap management, which will dictate how aggressive the team can be in free agency. The Broncos are projected to have approximately \(45 million in cap space for 2027, a figure that includes room to re-sign Purcell (estimated \)6-8 million per year) and potentially sign one high-impact free agent (like Bradberry, who could command \(12-14 million annually). To create additional space, the Broncos may restructure contracts for veteran players like left tackle Garett Bolles (who has a \)21 million cap hit in 2027) or release underperforming players like tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (who has failed to live up to his 2023 contract extension). “Cap space is about flexibility,” said Broncos salary cap analyst Mike Klis. “The Broncos have enough room to address their top needs, but they’ll have to be strategic—no big-money contracts for players who don’t fit Sean Payton’s system. This isn’t a year to waste cap space; it’s a year to invest in players who can help them win a Super Bowl.” The team’s cap situation also allows them to use franchise or transition tags if needed, though Paton has indicated he prefers long-term deals over tags to maintain roster stability.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos shifts to the NFL Draft, where the Broncos hold the 12th overall pick (projected based on their current 10-3 record) and additional picks in the second (43rd), third (75th), and fourth (107th) rounds. The top draft priority remains wide receiver, with the Broncos targeting prospects who can immediately contribute as a No. 2 or slot receiver. Leading candidates here include LSU’s Malik Nabers, a dynamic slot receiver with 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2026, and USC’s Brenden Rice, a deep threat with 4.4 speed and a knack for red-zone scores (15 touchdowns over two seasons). In the second round, the Broncos may look to reinforce their defensive line with a prospect like Alabama’s Tim Smith, a versatile defensive tackle who can play both run and pass downs, or LSU’s Jaquelin Roy, a quick interior rusher with 6 sacks in 2026. The third round could be used to address the slot cornerback position, with prospects like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, a do-it-all defensive back who excels in slot coverage and special teams. “The draft is about building depth and finding future stars,” said Payton. “We want to draft players who fit our culture and our system—guys who are willing to work, learn, and contribute right away. This draft class has a lot of talent at our top positions, so we’re excited about the opportunities.” For the Denver Broncos, the draft isn’t just about filling needs—it’s about finding players who can grow with the team and become part of their long-term championship core.

Another focus of Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos is the team’s approach to drafting developmental prospects in the later rounds. While early rounds are for immediate contributors, the Broncos have a history of finding hidden gems in the fourth to seventh rounds—like undrafted defensive end Sai’Vion Jones, who emerged as a key rotational player in 2026. Potential late-round targets include Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, a project with size (6’4”, 220 lbs) and arm strength who could serve as a backup to Bo Nix, and North Dakota State cornerback Isaiah Harris, a physical defender with 6 interceptions in 2026 who could develop into a solid special teams player and backup corner. The Broncos may also use a late-round pick on a running back to complement Javonte Williams, with prospects like Tulane’s Tyjae Spears, a quick, shifty back who excels in pass protection. “Late-round picks are about upside,” said Broncos scouting director Brian Stark. “You’re looking for players who have the physical tools but need time to develop—guys who can contribute on special teams early and work their way into a bigger role. Sai’Vion Jones is a perfect example of that, and we’re hoping to find more players like him in this draft.” For the Denver Broncos, late-round picks are an investment in the future, providing depth that can keep the team competitive even when injuries strike.

Looking ahead, Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos paints a clear picture: the team is positioned to address its biggest weaknesses while preserving the core that has them tied for the NFL’s best record. By re-signing Purcell, targeting a slot cornerback and wide receiver in free agency, and drafting impact players at those positions, the Broncos can turn their 2026 success into a sustained championship run. Paton and Payton have emphasized that this off-season will be “aggressive but disciplined”—avoiding overpriced free agents and focusing on players who fit the team’s system and culture. “We have a great foundation here,” said Payton. “Our players have bought in, our coaches have done a great job, and our fans have been amazing. This off-season is about building on that foundation and giving this team the best chance to win a Super Bowl. We’re not here to just compete—we’re here to win it all.” For the Denver Broncos, free agency and the draft aren’t just off-season tasks—they’re the next steps in their journey to bring a Lombardi Trophy back to Denver. Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a preview of moves to come; it’s a blueprint for turning potential into championships.