Broncos' Sean Payton Prioritizes Steady Offseason Over 'Frenzy'

Denver's coach says roster retention, not 'running it back,' was the focus this offseason.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, representing the strategic and calculated nature of the Broncos' offseason approach.Payton's strategic approach to the Broncos' offseason aims to build on the team's 2025 success through intentional roster moves, not a 'frenzy' of free agency.New Orleans Today

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton defended the team's quiet offseason, saying they prioritized retaining key players and making intentional roster decisions over a frenzied free agency period. Payton emphasized the importance of 'steady' roster-building over 'chaos' and 'frenzy,' citing the team's successful 14-3 season in 2025 and the need to make fine-tune adjustments rather than drastic changes.

Why it matters

Payton's comments provide insight into the Broncos' offseason strategy, which has been met with some fan frustration over a lack of splashy moves. However, the coach argues that steady, calculated decisions are more important than chasing the 'frenzy' of free agency, especially for a team that won 14 games the previous season.

The details

Despite their deep playoff run in 2025, the Broncos have made only one significant outside addition so far this offseason - trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Payton says the team focused on retaining its own free agents, including re-signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year deal. The coach also discussed moving linebacker Jonah Elliss to an inside role and the difficult decision to release veteran Dre Greenlaw.

  • The Broncos' veterans will report for offseason work on May 4, two weeks later than last season to give players more time off after their deep playoff run.
  • The team will spend the first month of the offseason program running and lifting weights before beginning two weeks of on-field OTAs in June, followed by a three-day mandatory minicamp.

The players

Sean Payton

The fourth-year head coach of the Denver Broncos, who is defending the team's quiet offseason approach.

Jaylen Waddle

The speedy wide receiver recently acquired by the Broncos in a trade, who Payton says will open up new doors for the team's offense.

J.K. Dobbins

The Broncos' running back who was re-signed to a two-year deal early in free agency, despite concerns over his injury history.

Jonah Elliss

The Broncos linebacker who will be moving to an inside linebacker role this season to provide depth at the position.

Dre Greenlaw

The veteran linebacker who was released by the Broncos after one injury-plagued season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“I hate that term. It's not, 'Let's run it back.' Let's understand one thing: it is anything but that.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“Frenzy is what you don't want. Frenzy implies that it has to happen, chaos. … It's all marketing. (Be) steady, right decision. 'What's our plan?' Stick with our plan. Tune out the noise.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“He is explosive. I think if you asked me, the single biggest thing that I think he does well is he's extremely fast and he stops fast. He can sink his hips in transition and then the other thing that came up time and time again is how competitive he is.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“Dobbins was a priority, ahead of all others. Now, that will anger people. We know that he has been injured, and we understand that the injuries haven't been soft-tissue driven. He is someone who is one of those compound multipliers — like he brings 10 others along with him in a positive light. Our success last year, he has some fingerprints on that.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“Here is why: he is so passionate. In my career as a coach, I've been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game. I'm always disappointed internally that that didn't work out because I love that player. I love how he competes. I love all the things he brings. You feel somewhat responsible when it doesn't work out.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

What’s next

The Broncos will continue their offseason program in the coming months, with veterans reporting on May 4 and the team focusing on strength and conditioning before beginning on-field OTAs in June. The team will also hold a mandatory minicamp in the third week of June as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Sean Payton's comments highlight the Broncos' disciplined approach to roster-building this offseason, prioritizing retention of key players and making intentional decisions over chasing the 'frenzy' of free agency. While some fans may have hoped for splashier moves, Payton believes this steady, calculated strategy is the best path forward for a team that won 14 games in 2025.