Heading into the 2025 NFL free agency, the Denver Broncos are positioned to enhance their roster significantly, thanks to their young quarterback, Bo Nix, who is viewed as a franchise player on a rookie contract. Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of addressing team needs through free agency and the draft, focusing on acquiring versatile offensive players, particularly a “joker” to boost offensive consistency. The Broncos also aim to revamp their running back room and may target a tight end in the draft. Overall, the team seeks to build on last season’s progress while avoiding complacency as they prepare for the upcoming season.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the 2025 NFL free agency approaches, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a unique position to enhance their roster like they haven’t in years.
For the first time since the salary cap was introduced in 1994, the Broncos have a promising, homegrown quarterback they are eager to develop. They are confident Bo Nix is their franchise QB, and the good news is he’s on a rookie contract for three more seasons.
If Nix meets the team’s expectations, a significant contract extension is likely on the horizon. However, the franchise’s top decision-makers recognize the need to act swiftly, as the current roster is strong enough to return to the AFC playoffs.
“Having a young quarterback in place makes things clearer than they were this time last year,” coach Sean Payton stated at the combine in Indianapolis. “We still have key needs identified and will look to address them through free agency and the draft… It’s advantageous to be in this situation, and we must capitalize on it.”
During Payton and general manager George Paton’s discussions in Indy, considerable focus was placed on players who could bolster Nix’s performance in the Broncos’ offense. Despite scoring 425 points this past season, the team’s consistency faltered, making it their highest point total since 2014. The Broncos had the league’s third-worst three-and-out percentage (26.3%).
To address this, Payton is actively seeking a “joker”—either a running back or tight end who can adapt throughout formations and create mismatches. In 2024, the Broncos’ tight end did not rank within the top 200 for yards after catch (Adam Trautman appeared at No. 210). Although this free agency class offers limited tight end options, Juwan Johnson, who played under Payton with the Saints for two seasons, might provide some value. However, he may not be the ultimate solution, as running back Alvin Kamara has consistently been New Orleans’ top “joker.”
“Finding a ‘joker’ is like the Loch Ness Monster,” Paton said with a grin. “I’ve faced teams under Sean that had them, and they’re tough to handle.”
Regarding free agent running backs, Aaron Jones, 30, stands out as a fitting option when negotiations commence on Monday. He boasts four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and five seasons with at least 40 receptions. In 2024, he achieved a career-high 1,138 rushing yards and recorded his second-highest receiving total (405 yards) in a single season.
The Broncos also plan to leverage the draft to refresh their running back lineup. Emerging from Indianapolis, they noted that running back is one of the draft’s strongest positions. Though they may miss out on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty with the No. 20 pick, players like North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, and Georgia’s Trevor Etienne present exciting possibilities in the early rounds.
“This year is ideal for potentially selecting a back due to depth in the position,” Paton noted.
Drafting a tight end poses different challenges. While Penn State’s Tyler Warren fits the versatile profile, he may not reach the Broncos in the draft. The team engaged with several prominent tight end prospects at the combine, including Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
Loveland underwent right shoulder surgery post-season and attended the combine in a sling. However, he anticipates being medically cleared for running and conditioning by OTAs and expects full participation by training camp. He believes he ranks among the top tight end options available.
“[The shoulder] feels fantastic; the surgery was successful,” Loveland shared. “I consider myself one of the elite route runners in this draft, and I believe I have great hands. Of course, there’s room for improvement, but I feel quite polished overall.”
However, Payton emphasized the need for the Broncos to maintain a broader perspective in the weeks ahead—a more cohesive approach, especially for the first round of the draft. The defensive line may warrant early attention, given that defensive tackle D.J. Jones is a free agent, with the draft featuring substantial depth at both tackle and edge positions.
“A running back and tight end could significantly aid [Nix’s] growth,” Payton stated. “However, adding an elite pass rusher and a strong cover corner would also contribute positively to his development. The player who enhances the team will naturally benefit his growth.”
Although making it to the wild-card round marked progress last season, such success is not guaranteed moving forward.
“We need to avoid the mindset of simply picking up where we left off. I don’t like that notion since history shows that once the season ends, the game board resets, and you start anew,” Payton expressed. “Certainly, there’s increased confidence from the experience gained, and I’m pleased with some of last season’s outcomes, yet we are still driven for more.”