Broncos' 2025 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss
From a big-picture perspective, the Denver Broncos can't be much more pleased with how things unfolded in 2024.
While Sean Payton failed to lead Denver to the playoffs in his first season as head coach, he achieved that goal in Year 2. Along the way, Denver found its quarterback in rookie Bo Nix, forged a top-10 defense and found some young playmakers like Marvin Mims Jr. and Nick Bonitto.
While the Kansas City Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC West, Denver has arrived as a divisional factor. Now that its postseason has ended, however, Payton and general manager George Paton face the challenge of building on what the franchise accomplished in its breakthrough season.
Here's a look at what's ahead for the Broncos in the 2025 offseason.
Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
OT Quinn Bailey
LB Cody Barton
FB Michael Burton
LB Zach Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey
DT D.J. Jones
OT Matt Peart
CB Tremon Smith
QB Jarrett Stidham
LB Justin Strnad
RB Javonte Williams
QB Zach Wilson
Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
LS Mitchell Fraboni
DT Jordan Jackson
S Devon Key
TE Lucas Krull
CB Ja'Quan McMillian
The Broncos are set to be in the middle of the pack when it comes to 2025 cap space, with $58.4 million projected. What puts Denver in an enviable position is the fact that it has a starting quarterback on a rookie contract and few key players slated to hit free agency.
Aside from defensive tackle D.J. Jones, linebacker Cody Barton, fullback Michael Burton and punter Riley Dixon, there just aren't many impact contributors set to be unrestricted free agents.
Running back Javonte Williams might be the most notable name headed to market, but he really hasn't been a centerpiece player since his rookie season. He's been fine in Payton's offense, but he's been both inconsistent and, often, inefficient. Williams has averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry in each of the past two years, while Jaleel McLaughlin has emerged as a more explosive runner.
While Williams won't turn 25 until April, Paton probably won't overpay to keep him.
The Broncos may look to keep one of their backup quarterbacks, either Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson, as insurance behind Nix. However, there probably isn't a reason to keep both. Denver doesn't need a veteran mentor to help guide Nix, who has fully arrived as a quality starter. It only needs depth.
Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets
With Nix establishing himself as the answer at quarterback the Broncos will likely look to upgrade his supporting cast in 2025. Extending left tackle Garett Bolles was a tremendous first step, and now it's time to address the skill positions.
Courtland Sutton is still a low-end No. 1 receiver, and the Broncos uncovered some young receivers like Mims and rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele. Adding another proven pass-catcher to the mix would be advisable.
If the Broncos are looking to improve their offense in a hurry, they may target a top receiver like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin. Complementary pass-catchers like Elijah Moore, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Noah Brown should get some consideration as well.
It would behoove Denver to find a quality pass-catching tight end too. No tight end on the roster reached 200 receiving yards during the regular season. Unfortunately, the 2025 free-agent class isn't particularly deep at the position, with Mike Gesicki and Zach Ertz arguably the top receiving options for Denver.
A trade for a night end like David Njoku or Kyle Pitts would make a ton of sense, however, if either should become available.
With Williams not seeming like an ideal fit for Payton's offense, Denver will likely look to overhaul its running back room in the offseason. Expect the Broncos to consider draft prospects as well as younger running backs like Dare Ogunbowale and Rico Dowdle.
Defensively, Denver doesn't have many needs. A playmaking linebacker like Zack Baun or Nick Bolton could make sense, and it never hurts to have added cornerback or edge-rushing depth. Paton may not chase a big-name player at either position, but younger players like edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. should be on his radar.
Paton will likely target one or two high-end players, fill in depth and be smart with Denver's spending. The Broncos are in a good financial spot this year but are just getting past the mess that was Russell Wilson's contract. They'll prioritize financial flexibility moving forward.
Draft Targets
Depending on what the Broncos do in free agency, there's a good chance that they use their initial pick on an offensive skill player. A receiver like Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka or a tight end like Michigan's Colston Loveland would immediately boost Denver's passing attack.
Loveland was the pick for Denver in the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's post-regular season mock draft.
"Nix needs more talent around him after a successful rookie campaign," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department said. "Loveland brings play-making upside to fill that role. He also adds a big catch radius and vertical speed to a passing attack. Loveland is alignment versatile and can assume the flex tight-end/power slot."
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Denver use an early pick on a running back either, though possibly not in the first round. Payton had a good one in Alvin Kamara during his time with the New Orleans Saints, and New Orleans found Kamara in Round 3.
Expect RB prospects like Penn State's Nicholas Singleton, Kansas' Devin Neal and Arizona State's Cam Skattebo to earn Day 2 consideration.
Other prospects the Broncos may target in the middle rounds include Texas tight end Gunnar Helm, Boston College edge-rusher, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo, Texas safety Andrew Mukuba and Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott.
In all, the Broncos are projected to have seven draft picks, including one each in Rounds 1-4 and a trio of sixth-rounders. Paton may look to package those sixth-round selections to move up earlier in the draft, or he could trade down on Day 2 to acquire more Day 3 selections. The former feels more likely.
Denver will be looking to make another jump in Payton's third season, so expect Paton to prioritize positions of need and pro-ready prospects over developmental depth.
*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon