The Denver Broncos are in a spot they haven't occupied in nearly a decade. They are actually good. Not just "middle of the pack" good, but "playoff-run-with-a-rookie-QB-contract" good. Bo Nix has settled the most volatile position in sports, which means the front office is finally looking at the free agents Denver Broncos list with a sense of opportunity rather than desperation.
Usually, this time of year in Colorado involves a lot of math about dead money and "how do we get out of this contract?" But 2026 is different. The Russell Wilson dead cap hit is a ghost of the past. For the first time in what feels like forever, Denver enters the cycle with roughly $35 million to $40 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap projections. It's not the most in the league—the Chargers and Titans are sitting on mountains of cash—but it's enough to be dangerous.
The mission is simple. Protect the kid. Get him some more weapons. Shore up the middle of a defense that sometimes feels like it’s held together by Alex Singleton’s pure willpower.
The internal debate: Who stays at Mile High?
Before George Paton and Sean Payton start looking at other teams' rosters, they have to figure out their own house. The list of internal free agents Denver Broncos fans should watch is headlined by some massive names on the defensive side of the ball.
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John Franklin-Myers is arguably the biggest priority. He's been the engine of that defensive interior. When he's on the field, the pass rush has a different bite. Most analysts, including those at PFF, suggest he's a "must-re-sign" candidate. If he walks, there’s a massive hole next to Zach Allen that won't be easy to fill with a draft pick.
Then you have the linebacker room. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both hitting the market. Singleton is the heartbeat of the defense, but he’s also on the wrong side of 30. Do you pay for past performance or let the younger, cheaper Strnad take the reins? Strnad has been a special teams ace and filled in admirably, but asking him to be the "Mike" linebacker for 17 games is a gamble.
- Luke Wattenberg (C): He’s been solid, but is he "second contract" solid? The run game has sputtered at times, and some scouts think Denver needs more "ass-kickers" (Sean Payton's favorite term) in the middle.
- Wil Lutz (K): In a league where kickers are missing extra points like it’s their hobby, Lutz is a safety net. Expect him back on a one-year deal.
- J.K. Dobbins (RB): He proved the doubters wrong this year. He looked explosive. But he’s a running back with a history. A two-year "prove it" deal feels right, but someone might overpay for his 2025 highlights.
Finding the missing pieces in the open market
The Broncos have been linked to some "sneaky good" moves recently. One name that keeps surfacing is Alec Pierce. The current Colts receiver has basically become the NFL’s premier deep threat, leading the league in yards per catch. Imagine him stretching the field while Courtland Sutton works the intermediate routes. It makes too much sense. He’s projected to command somewhere in the $15 million to $18 million per year range, which fits right into Denver’s budget.
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Tight end is another "hair on fire" emergency. Adam Trautman is a nice blocker, but he doesn't scare anybody. There are whispers about Kyle Pitts or even Cade Otton. Pitts is the "whale." If the Falcons actually let him test the market, Sean Payton would likely be the first one at his door. Pitts in a Payton offense is the kind of stuff that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.
Why the offensive line might get a facelift
You rarely see a team pay five veteran offensive linemen top-tier money. It just doesn't happen. Ben Powers has been good, but he’s expensive. Don't be surprised if the Broncos look at a guy like Alijah Vera-Tucker from the Jets. He has injury concerns, sure, but his versatility to play guard or tackle is exactly what this scheme thrives on.
If they move on from Powers or shuffle the deck, they save money to spend on a game-changer at running back. Breece Hall is the name everyone wants. It’s a pipe dream for most, but with the Jets in a weird transition phase, Hall hitting the market isn't impossible. Putting Hall in a backfield with Bo Nix would basically be "Easy Mode" for the offense.
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The cap casualities and the "New Money" reality
To get the big fish, some people have to go. Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers are the most likely candidates for contract restructures. The Broncos are sitting at about 42 players under contract. By the time they sign a draft class and fill out the roster to 53, that $40 million shrinks fast.
The strategy in 2026 won't be the "spend it all in one day" approach of the past. It's more about surgical strikes. They need a linebacker who can actually cover a tight end—something that has plagued this franchise since the No Fly Zone disbanded. Keep an eye on Quay Walker or Devin Lloyd. Both are young, fast, and would instantly modernize the middle of the Broncos' defense.
How to track the Broncos' moves this spring
If you’re trying to keep up with the free agents Denver Broncos front office is targeting, look at the connections. Sean Payton loves "his guys"—players from New Orleans or players who fit the high-IQ, high-versatility mold.
- Watch the "Legal Tampering" Window: This usually starts in mid-March. If the Broncos don't have a deal for John Franklin-Myers by then, start worrying.
- Monitor the WR Market: If the big names like George Pickens get tagged, the price for Alec Pierce and Rashid Shaheed goes up.
- Check the Restructures: Every time you see a notification that the Broncos cleared $5 million by shifting a bonus, it means they are loading up for a specific signing.
The window is open. Bo Nix is the real deal. Now, it's just about whether the front office can find the right veterans to turn a "playoff team" into a "Super Bowl contender." The 2026 offseason will be the defining moment for this era of Broncos football.
Actionable Insights for Broncos Fans:
Stay tuned to local Denver beat writers like Mike Klis or national insiders like Ian Rapoport during the first 48 hours of free agency. The Broncos have the cap flexibility to make one "splash" signing (likely a WR or TE) and two "value" signings (LB and DL). If they haven't addressed the Center position by the end of the second week, expect them to look heavily at the draft for a Day 1 starter.