Broncos Quiet in Free Agency, Raising Questions About Bo Nix's Rookie Contract

Denver has not signed any external free agents, leading to concerns about maximizing their young quarterback's rookie deal.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Denver Broncos have had a quiet offseason so far, re-signing their own players but not adding any new external free agents. This has raised questions about whether the team is properly utilizing quarterback Bo Nix's rookie contract, which could allow them to build a strong supporting cast around him before his next big payday.

Why it matters

The Broncos reached the AFC Championship game last season, and with Nix still on his rookie deal, they are in a prime position to add more talent around him to make a Super Bowl push. However, their lack of activity in free agency so far has some wondering if they are wasting this window of opportunity.

The details

The Broncos have re-signed several of their own players, including the entire tight end room and wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, but have not signed any external free agents. This is in contrast to the team's stated goal of being aggressive this offseason to maximize Nix's rookie contract. Nix is not due for a big contract extension until 2027, so the Broncos have a chance to build a strong supporting cast around him before his salary skyrockets.

  • The Broncos reached the AFC Championship game in the 2025 season.
  • Nix will not command a big payday until the 2027 offseason.

The players

Bo Nix

The Broncos' young quarterback who is still on his rookie contract.

George Paton

The Broncos' general manager who pledged to be aggressive this offseason.

Sean Payton

The Broncos' head coach who felt the team had needs at tight end and running back.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey

A wide receiver the Broncos re-signed this offseason.

J.K. Dobbins

A running back the Broncos brought back this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Broncos' offseason has been confusing, to say the least.”

— Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor (Denver Gazette)

“Payton likes his guys and probably feels he can coach up the current group. Denver's brass may also feel that without Nix's injury, they would have been in the Super Bowl. So they are closer than critics think.”

— Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The Broncos will need to be more active in free agency if they want to maximize Bo Nix's rookie contract and make a Super Bowl push.

The takeaway

The Broncos' quiet offseason has raised concerns about whether they are properly utilizing quarterback Bo Nix's affordable rookie deal. With Nix's next big contract still a few years away, Denver has a chance to build a strong supporting cast around him, but their lack of activity in free agency so far has some questioning if they are wasting this opportunity.