Broncos Face Tough Decisions on Key Free Agents

Denver must prioritize which in-house players to re-sign ahead of 2026 season

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Denver Broncos have several key unrestricted free agents to address this offseason, including linebacker Alex Singleton, running back J.K. Dobbins, and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. With a Super Bowl window wide open, the team must carefully evaluate which players to prioritize re-signing and which to let test the open market.

Why it matters

The Broncos have a talented roster and are in win-now mode, so retaining their top free agents will be crucial to maintaining their championship contention. However, the team also has limited salary cap space, forcing them to make tough decisions on which players provide the best value.

The details

The Broncos have 11 unrestricted free agents, headlined by Singleton, Dobbins, and Franklin-Myers. Other notable names include tight ends Adam Trautman and Marcedes Lewis, quarterback Sam Ehlinger, and safety P.J. Locke. The team will have to weigh factors like age, injury history, and potential replacement options when deciding which players to prioritize re-signing.

  • The new NFL league year begins on March 11, 2026.

The players

Alex Singleton

A 32-year-old linebacker who led the Broncos in tackles last season, but has become a liability in pass coverage.

J.K. Dobbins

A veteran running back who was productive for the Broncos before a foot injury ended his 2025 season, though the team may move in a different direction at the position.

John Franklin-Myers

A defensive lineman who is likely to command a lucrative contract on the open market, making it difficult for the cap-strapped Broncos to retain him.

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What’s next

The Broncos will need to make decisions on their free agents before the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Broncos face a critical offseason in which they must carefully weigh the value of retaining their top free agents against the constraints of the salary cap. Their ability to maintain their Super Bowl contention will hinge on making the right choices on which players to prioritize re-signing.