Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos explores the franchise’s key priorities and strategies as it prepares for the 2025 NFL season, a critical period to build on the 2024 campaign’s momentum (a 10-7 record and wild-card playoff berth). For the Broncos, the offseason will focus on three core areas: retaining key free agents to maintain roster continuity, targeting impactful additions in free agency and the draft to address remaining weaknesses, and refining the offensive and defensive schemes under head coach Sean Payton. With a window to compete for the AFC West title and deeper playoff runs, every decision—from contract negotiations to draft picks—will shape the team’s trajectory. Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos highlights how this offseason represents an opportunity to turn potential into sustained success, solidifying the Broncos as a top contender in the NFL.

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos starts with the team’s free agency strategy, which centers on retaining foundational players while making selective external additions. The Broncos have several key free agents entering 2025, including wide receiver Courtland Sutton (a Pro Bowler in 2024 with 1,102 receiving yards) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (who recorded 5 sacks and 45 tackles last season). Retaining Sutton is a top priority, as he’s become quarterback Russell Wilson’s most reliable target—losing him would create a massive void in the passing game. The Broncos are also expected to pursue a veteran backup quarterback in free agency, as current backup Jarrett Stidham is set to hit the market; having a reliable No. 2 behind Wilson will mitigate injury risk. On the defensive side, the team may look to add a depth cornerback to complement Patrick Surtain II, as the secondary struggled against top receiving corps in 2024. “Free agency is about balancing retention and addition,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “We want to keep the core that got us to the playoffs, then fill gaps with players who fit our culture.” Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos underscores how strategic free agency moves will lay the groundwork for the 2025 roster.

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos delves into the NFL Draft, where the Broncos hold the 15th overall pick and seven total selections—an opportunity to inject young talent into key positions. The team’s biggest need entering the draft is offensive line depth, particularly at guard, where starter Ben Powers is aging and backup options are limited. A first-round pick could target a prospect like Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum Jr. (a physical guard with elite run-blocking skills), who would immediately compete for a starting role and protect Wilson’s blind side. The Broncos also need to add youth to the running back room, as Javonte Williams will turn 27 in 2025 and Samaje Perine is a free agent; a mid-round pick (third or fourth round) could target a dynamic back like USC’s Caleb Williams (no relation to Russell) to provide speed and receiving ability out of the backfield. On defense, the draft may focus on edge rusher depth behind Bradley Chubb and Nik Bonitto, as the pass rush faded in the second half of 2024. “The draft is about building for now and the future,” Paton said. “We want picks that can contribute right away but also grow with the team.” Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos recognizes the draft as a critical tool to address long-term needs while strengthening the roster for immediate contention.

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos underscores how the Denver Broncos’ offseason training program will focus on player recovery, skill development, and scheme refinement—key factors in translating roster talent into on-field success. For players coming off injuries, like linebacker Drew Sanders (who missed four games in 2024 with a shoulder injury), the offseason will include targeted rehab to ensure full health by training camp. The team’s skill position players, including Wilson and the wide receivers, will spend extra time together in “voluntary” workouts to build chemistry; Wilson has already organized a player-led minicamp in Colorado, where the offense will run through new plays Payton added to the playbook. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will also use the offseason to adjust the “Nuclear Defense” scheme, incorporating more blitz packages to capitalize on the team’s depth at linebacker. “Our offseason program isn’t just about getting in shape—it’s about getting better,” Payton said. “Every rep, every meeting, every drill is designed to make us a more cohesive, disciplined team.” The Denver Broncos’ focus on intentional training will help the team hit the ground running in training camp, avoiding the slow starts that plagued them in 2023.

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos highlights how the Denver Broncos’ salary cap management will play a pivotal role in shaping their offseason moves, as the team aims to stay compliant while maximizing roster talent. The Broncos are projected to have approximately \(35 million in cap space in 2025, but that number could grow with strategic restructurings—including potential adjustments to Wilson’s contract (which has a \)49 million cap hit in 2025). Restructuring Wilson’s deal would free up space to sign Sutton and other free agents, while also leaving room for midseason additions if injuries arise. The team will also need to make tough decisions on veteran players with high cap hits but declining production, such as offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (set to earn $8 million in 2025). “Cap management is about tough choices,” Paton said. “We have to prioritize players who give us the best chance to win, both now and in the future.” The Denver Broncos’ ability to navigate the salary cap will determine their flexibility to address needs in free agency and the draft, ensuring they don’t have to sacrifice talent for compliance.

Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ offseason plans align with their long-term goal of winning a Super Bowl, as the team looks to build on its 2024 playoff appearance and challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for AFC West supremacy. With a core of Wilson, Surtain, Chubb, and Sutton under contract for at least two more seasons, the Broncos have a window to compete at the highest level—and this offseason is critical to seizing that opportunity. Whether it’s retaining Sutton, drafting a franchise left guard, or refining the defensive scheme, every move will be made with one goal in mind: bringing a Lombardi Trophy back to Denver. “This offseason is about taking the next step,” Payton said. “We were close in 2024, but close isn’t good enough. We need to make the moves that turn us from a playoff team into a championship team.” The Denver Broncos’ commitment to excellence this offseason will be felt by fans, who are eager to see the team return to the glory days of John Elway and Peyton Manning. Offseason Look Ahead for the Denver Broncos ends with a clear takeaway: for the Broncos, the 2025 offseason isn’t just about preparing for a season—it’s about building a legacy. With the right mix of retention, addition, and development, the Broncos have all the pieces to become the NFL’s next great team.