Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos

As the 2025 NFL regular season winds down, the Denver Broncos are already shifting their focus to free agency—a critical offseason period that will shape their ability to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026. With a roster that boasts elite talent (like cornerback Pat Surtain II and running back J.K. Dobbins) but also key pending free agents and positional gaps (most notably on the offensive line), the Broncos face tough decisions: which core players to re-sign, which positions to prioritize in external signings, and how to balance short-term contention with long-term salary-cap health. Entering free agency with approximately $18 million in projected cap space (before potential restructures), the Broncos have the flexibility to make impact moves—but not enough to fix every need. Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos is a look at the team’s most pressing questions, as they aim to build on a 9-4 start and turn potential into championships.

The first priority for the Broncos in free agency is deciding the fate of their key pending free agents—players who have contributed to their success but may require significant contracts to retain. The most notable among them is wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency after a career year (68 receptions, 1,020 yards, 8 touchdowns). Jeudy has been Bo Nix’s top target and a consistent deep threat, but re-signing him would likely cost $15–18 million per year— a price tag that could strain the Broncos’ cap if paired with other extensions. Another critical pending free agent is defensive tackle Zach Allen, who has anchored the run defense alongside Malcolm Roach, recording 45 tackles and 3 sacks. Allen is a scheme fit in Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defense, but he’s also drawing interest from teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles. On the offensive side, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is a restricted free agent; retaining him is important for depth, as Nix has missed time with minor injuries this season. The Broncos also face decisions on role players like special teams ace Justin Strnad and defensive end Jonathan Harris, who have contributed in limited snaps but may not be priority signings. Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos starts with these choices, as retaining core talent is the foundation of sustained success.

Beyond re-signing their own players, the Broncos’ top positional priority in free agency is addressing their offensive line—specifically the guard position, which has been a liability all season. As highlighted in previous analysis, the Broncos’ guards have allowed 14 sacks and struggled to create consistent running lanes for Dobbins, making this a make-or-break position in free agency. The 2026 free-agent class is deep at guard, with top targets including the Arizona Cardinals’ Will Hernandez (a 28-year-old former Pro Bowler who allowed just 2 sacks in 2025) and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Alex Cappa (a physical run-blocker who fits the Broncos’ scheme). Signing a top-tier guard would cost $10–12 million per year, but it would immediately stabilize the interior line and protect Nix, who has been under increasing pressure in recent weeks. The Broncos may also target a swing tackle to back up Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, as injuries to the tackle position derailed their 2024 season. Free agents like the Cleveland Browns’ Jack Conklin (a durable veteran with playoff experience) or the Indianapolis Colts’ Braden Smith (a versatile lineman who can play tackle or guard) would provide valuable depth. Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos hinges on fixing the offensive line, as it’s the most critical gap between the team and a Super Bowl run.

The Denver Broncos’ salary-cap flexibility will play a major role in their free agency strategy, as they look to maximize impact without sacrificing future flexibility. While \(18 million in cap space is a solid starting point, the Broncos can free up additional funds through contract restructures—most notably with defensive end Bradley Chubb, who is set to earn \)26 million in 2026. Restructuring Chubb’s deal (converting base salary to a signing bonus) could free up \(10–12 million in cap space, giving the Broncos the resources to sign a top guard and re-sign one of their pending free agents (like Allen or Jeudy). The Broncos can also create cap space by releasing underperforming players, such as guard Dalton Risner (who has allowed 5 sacks and committed 7 penalties) or tight end Greg Dulcich (who has just 12 receptions in 8 games). Cutting Risner would save \)8 million, while releasing Dulcich would free up $4 million—funds that could be redirected to higher-priority positions. The Denver Broncos’ front office has a history of strategic cap management (like their 2023 restructure of Surtain’s contract), and they’ll likely use similar tactics to maximize their free agency budget. Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos is also a story of cap creativity, as the team finds ways to compete now while keeping an eye on the future.

Another key element of the Denver Broncos’ free agency plan is addressing depth in the secondary, which has been exposed in recent weeks due to injuries. While Surtain II is an elite No. 1 cornerback, the Broncos have struggled at the second cornerback spot—with backup Damarri Mathis allowing a 65% completion rate when targeted. Free agency offers several options to upgrade here, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Carlton Davis III (a physical corner who excels in press coverage) and the New York Jets’ Sauce Gardner (a young star who could be available if the Jets rebuild). Signing a No. 2 corner would cost $12–14 million per year, but it would allow the Broncos to move Mathis to nickel corner—a role he’s better suited for—and improve their ability to shut down opposing wide receiver tandems. The Broncos may also target a safety to pair with Justin Simmons, as backup Caden Sterns has struggled in run support. Free agents like the Baltimore Ravens’ Marcus Williams (a ball-hawking safety with 4 interceptions in 2025) or the Kansas City Chiefs’ Justin Reid (a versatile defender who can play in the box or deep) would add depth and playmaking to the secondary. The Denver Broncos’ secondary is already strong, but upgrading depth would make it elite—critical for stopping high-powered offenses like the Chiefs and Bills in the playoffs. Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos includes this secondary focus, as it’s a way to build on their already-stellar defense.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos’ free agency moves will send a clear message about their 2026 goals: are they all-in on winning now, or are they prioritizing long-term sustainability? If they re-sign Jeudy, sign a top guard, and add a No. 2 corner, they’ll be a legitimate Super Bowl contender—with a roster that can match up with any team in the AFC. If they let Jeudy walk and focus on cheaper, younger replacements, they’ll maintain cap flexibility but risk losing a key offensive playmaker. The Denver Broncos’ front office, led by general manager George Paton, has shown a willingness to be aggressive in free agency (like their 2023 signing of Dobbins), but they’ve also avoided costly mistakes that hamper future teams. Whatever path they choose, free agency will be a defining period for the Broncos—one that determines whether they build on their 2025 success or take a step back. For fans, it’s a time of anticipation: will the Broncos land their top targets, or will they watch key players leave for rival teams? Free Agency Preview for the Denver Broncos is more than just a preview of signings—it’s a preview of the team’s identity in 2026 and beyond, as they chase their first Super Bowl title since 1998.