Broncos Seek Cap Space Ahead of 2026 NFL Offseason

Denver must make tough decisions on Brandon Jones and Jarrett Stidham to clear salary cap room.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Denver Broncos are coming off a strong season, falling just short of the Super Bowl. With Russell Wilson's disastrous contract finally off the books, the team has over $26 million in cap space to pursue free agents this offseason. However, they may need to make difficult decisions on safety Brandon Jones and backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to create even more flexibility.

Why it matters

The Broncos were so close to the Super Bowl in 2025, and they'll need to make strategic moves to get over the top in 2026. Clearing cap space will allow them to retain key players like John Franklin-Meyers and potentially add new talent in free agency.

The details

Releasing Brandon Jones would save the Broncos $9.2 million against the cap, with just a $1.8 million dead cap hit. Jones had a down year in 2025 due to injury, and the team has other talented defensive backs like Talanoa Hufanga, Patrick Surtain, and Jahdae Barron. Moving on from Jarrett Stidham would save $8 million, with $3.5 million in dead money. Stidham struggled in the AFC Championship game, and the Broncos may decide to find a new backup quarterback to support starter Bo Nix.

  • The Broncos lost in the AFC Championship game in the 2025 season.
  • Russell Wilson's disastrous contract finally comes off the books in 2026.

The players

Brandon Jones

A key safety for the Broncos over the past two seasons, but he missed time in 2025 due to injury.

Talanoa Hufanga

An All-Pro safety who emerged as the top playmaker in the Broncos' secondary in 2025.

Jarrett Stidham

The Broncos' backup quarterback who struggled in the AFC Championship game after being thrust into the starting role.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback who missed the AFC Championship game due to a broken ankle.

John Franklin-Meyers

One of the Broncos' most productive players over the past two seasons, who is set to hit free agency.

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What’s next

The Broncos will need to decide whether to keep or release Brandon Jones and Jarrett Stidham in the coming weeks as they look to clear cap space ahead of free agency.

The takeaway

The Broncos were so close to the Super Bowl in 2025, and they'll need to make strategic moves to get over the top in 2026. Clearing cap space by parting ways with Brandon Jones and Jarrett Stidham will give them flexibility to retain key players and potentially add new talent in free agency.