Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos

As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the Denver Broncos face an offseason that will define their championship window for years to come. Fresh off a playoff berth fueled by an elite red zone defense and J.K. Dobbins’ rushing attack, the Broncos must address the two critical flaws that undermined their Super Bowl aspirations: inconsistent wide receiver depth and vulnerable guard play. Unlike regular-season fixes—like practice squad promotions or scheme tweaks—the offseason requires strategic, long-term decisions: re-signing key free agents, targeting impact players in the draft, and restructuring contracts to maximize salary-cap flexibility. Every move will be calibrated to turn potential into results, as the Broncos aim to build on their 11-6 record and avoid the roster regression that has plagued them in recent years. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos is a roadmap of the tough choices and calculated risks that will shape the franchise’s future.

The Broncos’ most pressing offseason decision revolves around pending free agent wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, whose future in Denver will directly impact the team’s ability to fix its WR depth issue. Jeudy, coming off a career year (1,020 yards, 8 touchdowns), is expected to command a four-year contract worth \(60–72 million (\)15–18 million annually)—a price tag that would make him one of the NFL’s top-10 highest-paid wide receivers. Retaining Jeudy is critical: without him, the Broncos would be left with Courtland Sutton as their only proven pass-catcher, forcing them to rely on unproven rookies like Pat Bryant or expensive free-agent replacements. However, re-signing Jeudy will require salary-cap creativity, as the Broncos currently project to have just $18 million in available space. The alternative—letting Jeudy walk—would create a massive void in the passing game and likely require the Broncos to use a first-round draft pick on a wide receiver, diverting resources from other needs (like guard). This dilemma underscores why Jeudy’s contract is the cornerstone of the Broncos’ offseason: it’s not just about keeping a star, but about preserving the offense’s identity. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos starts with this decision, as it ripples through every other positional plan.

Beyond wide receiver, the Broncos’ top offseason priority is fixing their guard positions—a need that became even more urgent after Dalton Risner and Quinn Meinerz combined to allow 14 sacks in 2025. The 2026 free-agent class offers viable solutions, including Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez (a 28-year-old former Pro Bowler who allowed just 2 sacks last season) and Cincinnati Bengals guard Alex Cappa (a physical run-blocker who fits Denver’s zone scheme). Signing a top-tier guard would cost $10–12 million annually, but it would immediately stabilize the interior line, protect Bo Nix, and unlock Dobbins’ rushing potential (he averaged 1.2 fewer yards per carry behind guards than tackles in 2025). The Broncos could also target a guard in the draft: the 2026 class is deep at the position, with prospects like Alabama’s Tyler Booker and Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson projected to be available in the second or third round. Drafting a young guard would provide long-term cost control, though it would require patience as the player adjusts to the NFL. Whether via free agency or the draft, fixing the guard spots is non-negotiable—especially if the Broncos want to compete with pass-rushing powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos hinges on this need, as it’s the most critical barrier to a Super Bowl run.

The Denver Broncos’ salary-cap strategy will be the engine of their offseason success, as they look to re-sign key players, address needs, and avoid future cap hell. To create space, the Broncos will likely restructure contracts of high-salary players, starting with defensive end Bradley Chubb. Chubb is set to earn \(26 million in 2026, but converting \)15 million of his base salary to a signing bonus would free up \(12 million in cap space—enough to sign a top guard or contribute to Jeudy’s contract. The Broncos could also create additional room by releasing underperforming players, such as tight end Greg Dulcich (who has just 15 receptions in 10 games) or backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham (if they draft a developmental QB), saving \)8 million combined. These moves would push some cap costs to future years, but they’re necessary to compete now—especially with the Broncos’ championship window open. The Denver Broncos’ front office has a history of strategic cap management (like restructuring Pat Surtain II’s contract in 2024), and this offseason will require that same creativity. The goal is simple: maximize flexibility to address WR and guard needs without sacrificing depth elsewhere. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos depends on this cap wizardry, as it turns limited resources into impact signings.

Another key element of the Denver Broncos’ offseason is building depth in their secondary, which was exposed when Pat Surtain II missed three games with a shoulder sprain in 2025. While Surtain is elite, the Broncos lack a reliable No. 2 cornerback: Damarri Mathis allowed a 65% completion rate when targeted last season, and rookie Ja’Quan McMillian is still developing. The free-agent market offers upgrades, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (a physical press corner) and New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (a young star potentially available if the Jets rebuild). Signing a No. 2 corner would cost $12–14 million annually, but it would allow Mathis to shift to nickel corner (his natural position) and improve the Broncos’ ability to shut down opposing wide receiver tandems. The Denver Broncos could also use a mid-round draft pick on a cornerback, though it would take time for the player to contribute. This depth move is often overlooked, but it’s critical for playoff success—teams that can’t stop the pass in the postseason rarely advance far. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos includes this need, as it’s part of building a complete, resilient roster.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos’ offseason will be a test of balance: between winning now and planning for the future, between re-signing veterans and drafting youth, between addressing urgent needs and building depth. If they re-sign Jeudy, fix the guard spots, and add secondary depth, they’ll enter 2026 as legitimate Super Bowl contenders—with a roster that’s strong at every key position. If they falter—letting Jeudy walk, ignoring the guard issue, or mismanaging the cap—they’ll likely regress, wasting the prime of players like Surtain and Nix. The Denver Broncos have all the pieces to be a dynasty: an elite defense, a dynamic rushing attack, and a young quarterback on the rise. Now, it’s up to the front office to make the right moves this offseason to turn that potential into reality. This isn’t just another offseason—it’s a chance to restore the Broncos’ legacy as a championship franchise. Look Ahead to Offseason for the Denver Broncos is a call to action, as every decision made in the coming months will determine whether the team celebrates a Lombardi Trophy or another disappointing early playoff exit.