Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future

In the NFL, building a sustainable contender isn’t just about signing top free agents or drafting well—it’s about retaining the core talent that defines a team’s identity. For the Denver Broncos, the 2024 offseason marked a pivotal shift toward long-term stability, with a series of strategic roster extensions that locked down key players across offense, defense, and special teams. These moves weren’t random; they were part of a deliberate plan to fix past roster turnover, build chemistry, and position the Broncos for consistent playoff success. Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future explores how these extensions have addressed critical needs, fostered continuity, and given the franchise a clear path forward in the competitive AFC West.

Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future begins with the team’s focus on retaining defensive cornerstones—a priority that stems from the Broncos’ historic strength as a defensive-minded franchise. The centerpiece of this effort was a five-year, \(115 million extension for defensive end Zach Allen, who emerged as a force in 2023 after signing a one-year prove-it deal. Allen recorded 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback hits last season, anchoring a defensive line that ranked 12th in the NFL in sacks. By extending him, the Broncos ensured they wouldn’t lose a player who had quickly become the face of their defense. They followed that with a four-year, \)64 million deal for linebacker Josey Jewell, a steady presence in the middle who led the team with 125 tackles in 2023. “Our defense is the backbone of this team, and retaining Zach and Josey was non-negotiable,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “They’re not just talented—they’re leaders who set the tone for our entire unit.” These extensions addressed a longstanding issue for the Broncos, who had lost key defensive players like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to free agency in recent years. Now, with Allen and Jewell locked up, the defense has a stable core to build around.

A defining part of the Broncos’ roster extension strategy is securing key offensive pieces to support quarterback Russell Wilson—a move aimed at turning potential into consistent production. After a rocky 2022 debut with the Broncos, Wilson rebounded in 2023, throwing for 3,524 yards and 26 touchdowns, but he still lacked reliable targets beyond wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The Broncos fixed that by extending Sutton with a four-year, \(60 million deal, rewarding his 1,066-yard, 8-touchdown season. They also gave a three-year, \)27 million extension to tight end Greg Dulcich, a rising star who missed most of 2023 with an injury but showed flashes of elite play in 2022 (33 catches, 411 yards). “Offensive success starts with keeping playmakers around your quarterback,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Courtland has been a consistent threat for years, and Greg has the potential to be one of the best tight ends in the league. Locking them up means Russell has the weapons he needs to succeed.” These extensions have already paid early dividends in training camp, with Wilson connecting with Sutton on deep passes and Dulcich showing improved chemistry in the red zone. For the Broncos, this offensive continuity is crucial—after years of rotating wide receivers and tight ends, they now have a group that can grow with Wilson.

A key way Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future is the stability it brings to special teams—a often-overlooked phase of the game that the Denver Broncos have turned into a competitive advantage. Beyond the high-profile extension of kicker Wil Lutz (four years, \(20 million), the Broncos also locked up long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer with a three-year, \)6.3 million deal and holder Corliss Waitman with a two-year, $4.5 million contract. This trio developed exceptional chemistry in 2023, with Lutz converting 90.2% of his field goals and the unit ranking 5th in the NFL in special teams efficiency. “Special teams can win or lose four to five games a season, and continuity here is everything,” said Broncos special teams coordinator Mike Mallory. “Jacob and Corliss are as important to Wil’s success as Wil is to ours—they’re the unsung heroes. Extending all three means we don’t have to rebuild this unit from scratch.” For the Denver Broncos, this focus on special teams continuity sets them apart from many NFL teams, which often treat long snappers and holders as replaceable. By valuing these roles, the Broncos have turned a routine part of the game into a reliable strength—one that will pay off in close games for years to come.

Another critical aspect of the Broncos’ roster extensions is retaining young, emerging talent to avoid future gaps—a forward-thinking move that strengthens the Denver Broncos’ depth and prevents costly free agent departures. One of the most notable examples is the three-year, \(21 million extension for guard Quinn Meinerz, a third-round pick in 2021 who became a full-time starter in 2023. Meinerz graded out as the NFL’s 14th-best guard by Pro Football Focus last season, allowing just two sacks and six pressures in 1,100 snaps. The Broncos also extended safety Caden Sterns with a two-year, \)8 million deal, a former fifth-round pick who stepped into a starting role in 2023 and recorded three interceptions. “The worst thing a team can do is let young talent walk after they’ve developed,” Paton said. “Quinn and Caden weren’t household names, but they proved they’re starters in this league. Extending them now means we don’t have to spend big on free agent guards or safeties in a year or two.” For the Denver Broncos, this focus on young talent ensures that the roster remains competitive even as veteran players age. It also sends a message to the locker room: hard work and improvement will be rewarded, which boosts morale and encourages players to invest in the team’s future.

Wrapping up Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future is the collective impact of these moves on the team’s playoff trajectory—a strategy that positions the Denver Broncos to compete for championships rather than just make occasional playoff appearances. Before 2024, the Broncos had a history of short-term fixes: signing one-year deals with veterans, drafting high but failing to retain talent, and cycling through coaches. These extensions change that narrative. By locking up core players for 3–5 years, the Broncos have created a window of contention where their key pieces will be together, allowing for chemistry to build and schemes to be refined. This continuity is especially important in the AFC West, where the Kansas City Chiefs have dominated with a stable core led by Patrick Mahomes. “We’re not building for one season—we’re building for a dynasty,” Payton said. “These extensions mean we can grow together, learn from each other, and get better every year. That’s how you beat teams like the Chiefs consistently.” For the Denver Broncos, the roster extensions of 2024 are more than just contracts—they’re a promise to fans that the franchise is committed to winning the right way. They’re a sign that the Broncos have learned from past mistakes and are now focused on long-term success. Roster Extensions Strengthen the Denver Broncos' Future ultimately shows that in the NFL, patience and planning beat quick fixes—and the Broncos are now reaping the rewards of that philosophy.