Denver Broncos general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton are about to have a busy offseason.
The Broncos are projected to be about $24 million over the salary cap and the team only holds six picks to use in the 2024 NFL draft. Those circumstances could make it difficult for Denver to improve a roster that has plenty of holes going into Payton’s second season.
The Broncos will likely acquire a few more draft picks via trades this spring, and the team can also cut select players and make contract adjustments to create more cap space. It will be a big task, but Denver can add draft capital and create enough cap space to make some key moves this offseason.
So, once the Broncos have the resources required to add players, what positions should Denver target? We’ve put together a list of ten team needs, five on offense and five on defense. Between free agency the draft, the Broncos should address these positions this offseason.
1
Quarterback
This one is self explanatory. Russell Wilson expects the Broncos to release him in March, and we’re not confident in Jarrett Stidham. Either through free agency or the draft (or both), Denver needs to address the QB position.
2
Cornerback
Pat Surtain is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but Denver needs a reliable CB2 to start across from him. The team showed little confidence in Riley Moss last year and while it’s possible Moss could take a big step forward in Year 2, the Broncos need another starting-caliber cornerback.
3
Pass rusher
Denver hasn’t had a pass rusher record double-digit sacks in a single season since 2018. Perhaps Baron Browning is a candidate to stay healthy and have a breakout year in 2024, but Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto seem to be best-suited for rotational roles. The Broncos need a difference maker at outside linebacker.
4
Defensive line
Mike Purcell is scheduled to become a free agent in March and the Broncos could save almost $10 million in cap space if they cut D.J. Jones. Even if Denver finds a way to bring Jones back, the Broncos will need to add more depth and competition after the defensive line underwhelmed in 2023.
5
Center
We’re assuming the Broncos are going to lose Lloyd Cushenberry during free agency, leaving the offense in need of a new starting center. Unless the team is comfortable with counting on Alex Forsyth (which they might be), Denver needs to add a starting-caliber center this offseason. Forsyth was inactive for all 17 games a rookie in 2023.
6
Offensive tackle
The Broncos are basically stuck with right tackle Mike McGlinchey due to his contract, but the team might need a new left tackle soon. Garett Bolles is set to have a $20 million cap hit this year and Denver could save $16 million if they release the veteran tackle. Even if the Broncos keep Bolles on his current deal, he’s set to become a free agent in 2025, so Denver will need to begin planning for the future. If the Broncos think Bolles is their best option now and going forward, the team could get some cap relief in 2024 by giving Bolles an extension this spring. If the team plans to run it back with Bolles and McGlinchey, they should still draft a young tackle to develop. Denver has not drafted a tackle (in any round) since 2017. That should change in April — drafting linemen is a prudent strategy for both cap and depth considerations.
7
Wide receiver
This might not seem like a “need” position at the moment, but that could change quickly. The Broncos have entertained trade talks for both Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy over the last two years, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least one of them traded this spring. Meanwhile, Tim Patrick is coming off back-to-back serious injuries and he’ll have a cap hit north of $15.5 million this spring. Denver seems likely to release Patrick, and with at least one of Sutton or Jeudy likely departing, the team needs more depth at WR.
8
Tight end
Maybe 2024 will be the year that Greg Dulcich finally stays healthy, but the Broncos can’t count on that. Adam Trautman, who served as Denver’s No. 1 tight end in 2023, is scheduled to become a free agent in March. The Broncos need to add a tight end this spring, and it could be as simple as re-signing Trautman. Drafting depth wouldn’t hurt, either.
9
Running back
Broncos fans will hope that Javonte Williams will return to his old form in 2024 after he returned from a serious knee injury and had a down year in 2023, but that’s not guaranteed to happen. Samaje Perine is a good third-down back and Jaleel McLaughlin is a talented scatback, but Denver needs to prepare for the possibility of Williams not being the RB1 in 2025. Even if he does bounce back this fall, Williams is set to become a free agent next year. The Broncos don’t need to use a high draft pick on a running back, but Denver would be wise to add depth at the position.
10
Safety
Justin Simmons is one of the game’s best safeties, but he’s set to become a free agent in 2025. Following the departure of Kareem Jackson, P.J. Locke is now set to become a free agent in March. Caden Sterns has played well when healthy, but he has struggled to stay on the field. If Locke is re-signed, Denver does not necessarily need to add a starting-caliber safety, but the Broncos should add more depth at the position.
