“Offseason in three words: Find some pop.”
That’s what ESPN stated in a column regarding the Broncos’ needs for their 2026-27 season via their power rankings back on Feb. 8. And they’re correct — with a few key pieces of Denver’s roster set to be a free agent this summer, the Broncos are going to need impact players to make it back to the AFC Championship game.
What’s Already Working for the Broncos?
The Broncos were provided plenty of pop in the 2025-26 season, especially on the defensive line. Nik Bonitto had a career year, being Denver’s most reliable linebacker and leading the team in sacks with 14.
The majority of the defensive line took large steps forward as well — Zach Allen, Jonathan Cooper, and Alex Singleton among them, contributing to one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the NFL this past season.
What Denver Needs
The defense isn’t the part that needs pop though — it’s the offense. When the Broncos look back on their season and ultimately ahead to the next, they cannot bank on their defense being so unbelievably dominant. While it was sustainable this year, winning so many games by one score is a risky strategy.
The running back position is one that Denver needs to address first. J.K. Dobbins was the main source of success for Denver’s run game when healthy, though he suffered a season ending injury on Nov. 6. While RJ Harvey had himself an outstanding rookie year, the Broncos are still in need of an impact running back, especially with Dobbins entering free agency this summer.
Reunions and a Champion
A Dobbins reunion could be the solution — but there are other options out there that may better suit the Broncos. Returning Javonte Williams could be an explosive option; he had a solid first season as a Cowboy, rushing for just over 1,200 yards and finding the endzone 11 times. Both of those figures were career highs for Williams.
Williams was a Bronco for four years prior, though saw little success because of factors like a constantly changing coaching staff and quarterback room. The Broncos should take him into consideration, as he would be a statement addition to an already loaded Broncos roster.
Kenneth Walker III, though, is a move that would put Denver over the top. Walker, now a Super Bowl champion, rushed for just over 1,000 yards in 2025-26, and won himself a Super Bowl MVP when he rushed for 135 yards.
While K9’s overall season wasn’t eye-opening, he wasn’t the main source of offense for Seattle. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was arguably the best wide receiver in football this past season, was blocking him. Walker’s clutch ability would be a huge bolster to the Broncos offense, and would fit right in with Nix who also elevates his game in the clutch.
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Twin Dolphins Turned Broncos
For receivers, the options are obvious — Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Waddle was one of Denver’s biggest points of interest at the trade deadline back in early November, but a deal never went through. Now that both teams have months to talk trades, and with Miami having just released Tyreek Hill, Denver has an opportunity to strike.
Speaking of the cheetah, the Dolphins released him on Monday to free up cap space, and now the eight-time pro bowler and Super Bowl champion hits free agency for the first time in his career. Though he suffered a season-ending knee injury, the athletic ability is more than present still.
Just two seasons ago, Hill had over 1,700 receiving yards and earned All-Pro honors. Now that Hill is available, pairing him with a solid quarterback for the first time since his tenure in Kansas City would be the definition of a “pop” addition. His speed threat and freakish athleticism easily puts the Broncos in a far better place.
The Broncos have a lot of time to contemplate, though — the offseason is young, and teams have all summer to negotiate. But come training camp, the Broncos will have to add a strong talent in order to put themselves in another threshold.
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