Broncos Advised to Avoid Signing Two Free Agents in 2026

Denver should be cautious with Rachaad White and Cade Otton in free agency, according to experts.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos are expected to be active in free agency this offseason as they look to build on their deep playoff run last season. However, analysts suggest the team should avoid signing running back Rachaad White and tight end Cade Otton, despite both players being linked to the Broncos. White's inefficient rushing production and Otton's potential redundancy with Evan Engram are cited as reasons the Broncos should look elsewhere to improve their roster.

Why it matters

The Broncos are close to championship contention and need to make smart free agent signings to take the next step. Avoiding potential missteps with players like White and Otton could help Denver allocate resources more effectively and maximize their chances of winning a Super Bowl.

The details

The article suggests the Broncos should target running backs like Kenneth Walker or Travis Etienne over Rachaad White, who has averaged just 3.9 yards per carry over his four-year career. At tight end, the team already has Evan Engram, who had a somewhat disappointing first season in Denver, and the article argues the Broncos should look to the draft for a tight end rather than signing Cade Otton, who may not be worth the cost.

  • The Broncos made it to the AFC Championship game last season.

The players

Rachaad White

A running back who has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cade Otton

A tight end who has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Russell Wilson

The Broncos' quarterback whose contract will finally be off the books this offseason.

Dre Greenlaw

A linebacker the Broncos signed in free agency last year.

Talanoa Hufanga

A safety the Broncos signed in free agency last year.

Evan Engram

The tight end the Broncos signed in free agency last year.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' quarterback who suffered a postseason injury.

Patrick Surtain

A cornerback and former Defensive Player of the Year winner on the Broncos' roster.

Nik Bonitto

A linebacker who was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year this past season.

JK Dobbins

A running back who played for the Broncos last season but ended up on injured reserve.

RJ Harvey

A running back who had some moments as a rookie for the Broncos.

Kenneth Walker

A free agent running back rumored to be a target for the Broncos.

Travis Etienne

A free agent running back rumored to be a target for the Broncos.

Sean Payton

The Broncos' offensive coordinator who is giving up play-calling duties to Davis Webb.

Davis Webb

The Broncos' new play-caller on offense.

Adam Trautman

A tight end the Broncos have re-signed.

Nate Atkins

A tight end the Broncos have re-signed.

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What they’re saying

“The Broncos shouldn't spend just for spending's sake, so who should the Broncos avoid signing in free agency?”

— Bailey Bassett, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Broncos will need to determine their priorities in free agency and decide whether players like Rachaad White and Cade Otton fit their needs and budget.

The takeaway

The Broncos are close to championship contention, so they need to be selective and strategic in their free agent signings this offseason. Avoiding potential missteps with players like White and Otton could help the team allocate resources more effectively and maximize their chances of winning a Super Bowl.