The Denver Broncos are entering what might be the most important offseason this franchise has had since the 2014 offseason. The championship window is open and the team has very few holes to fill. Though
the holes they do need to fill are vital to keeping this championship window open.
Here in this post we break down the team’s pending free agents of each type and dropping a big list of players who are heading into free agency as of right now.
Denver Broncos 2026 NFL free agents
The Broncos have several notable unrestricted free agents, but the list isn’t as bad as we’ve seen at times. They are mostly keeping the core of their guys into 2026.
Broncos unrestricted free agents
- DL John Franklin-Myers
- ILB Alex Singleton
- RB J.K. Dobbins
- TE Adam Trautman
- ILB Justin Strnad
- S P.J. Locke
- FB Michael Burton
- TE Mercedes Lewis
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- C Sam Mustipher
- QB Sam Ehlinger
All of these players will hit the open market at the onset of free agency in March. That means they could still re-sign with the Broncos before then. Realistically, I don’t think they bring back some of the obvious starters like John Franklin-Myers or Alex Singleton. Though I could see them working out a deal with J.K. Dobbins, but I would also grade that one as unlikely. Justin Strnad has already made it known that he wants to go somewhere that will allow him to start, which likely wouldn’t be in Denver.
Guys that I think could end up finding a deal to remain in Denver would be tight end Adam Trautman, safety P.J. Locke, and maybe even wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Those could all end up on team-friendly deals.
Broncos restricted free agents
Heading over to the NFL Operations website, you can refresh your understanding of how RFA’s get handled. Each of these guys can negotiate with teams, but the Broncos could slap a tender on any one of them to gain compensation if another team signs them.
- DL Matt Henningsen
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian
- TE Lucas Krull
- G Alex Palczewski
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin
- TE Nate Adkins
I would guess both J-Mac and Palczewski get healthy tenders, but wouldn’t be surprised if both tight ends and Jaleel McLaughlin end up with strong tenders as well. I’m in the camp that believes McMillian has earned a contract extension and should get one. We’ll see if that happens.
Exclusive-rights free agents
These are players with less than three accrued seasons and cannot negotiate with other teams if Denver offers them a contract at the league minimum of their position.
- EDGE Dondrea Tillman
- DL Jordan Jackson
- S Devon Key
- RB Tyler Badie
I would suspect none of these players will be going anywhere. A good thing, considering I like all four of these players a lot.
Notable 2026 NFL Free Agents
This list is going to be completely demolished by the time March rolls around as many of these names are going to get re-signed before then by their current teams. Even so, I cherry picked from this FA list to align with both position upgrades and replacing potential free agent losses.
- WR George Pickens
- WR Alex Pierce
- WR Romeo Doubs
- TE Kyle Pitts
- LB Devin Lloyd
- RB Kenneth Walker
- RB Breece Hall
- G Alijah Vera-Tucker
- LB Devin Bush
- S Kamren Curl
- S Bryan Cook
- WR Rashid Shaheed
- WR Wan’Dale Robinson
- WR Jauan Jennings
- WR Deebo Smuel
- WR Mike Evans
- TE Dallas Goedert
- G David Edwards
- G Connor McGovern
- G Ed Ingram
- G Dylan Parham
- G John Simpson
- LB Leo Chenal
- LB Quay Walker
- RB Travis Etienne
- RB Rachaad White
- RB Rico Dowdle
- WR Christian Kirk
- TE Isaiah Likely
I am sure there is more, but I felt like an upgrade at guard is coming. We all know running back and tight end are perpetual needs and adding a wide receiver would make sense. I also think the defense likely needs a linebacker and a safety. The defensive line market is pretty bad. They should draft that if they feel more depth is needed.
Where do you think the Broncos should focus in this free agent class? Let’s discuss in the comments section below!
