Broncos' Biggest Roster Hole That Still Hasn’t Been Addressed

The Broncos need another linebacker. They re-signed Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to ensure their starting tandem is intact for 2026, but after releasing Dre Greenlaw (who re-signed with San Francisco), the Broncos need another proven linebacker.

There are some solid options still available on the free-agent market, like Logan Wilson and Bobby Okereke, both of whom are experienced, but because they're on the wrong side of 30, the Broncos might not have to spend big to sign one.

There are a couple of truly accomplished vets who are closer to 40 than 30, but have still been playing at a high level: Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David. David is considering retirement, but if he plays again in 2026, it would be a shock if it wasn't with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, I'd make the call if I were George Paton.

Wagner started all 17 games for Washington last season, and delivered 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions for the Commanders. You don't sign Wagner to sit him down, though. If he plays, he starts.

There are other linebacker options, and while it remains an obvious area of need, the Broncos could also address it in the draft. There are intriguing linebacker options in each round of the 2026 draft this year.

Tight End: Broncos Don't See it That Way

You can point to the tight end position as a big area of weakness, as Denver's room last year was one of the worst in the NFL. But the Broncos re-signed all of their free-agent tight ends from the active roster, including Adam Trautman, who garnered a significant raise on a three-year deal.

Is tight end a weakness? Yes. Do the Broncos believe it is? Not anymore. At least, that's how it appears the team is thinking from the outside looking in. They're erring on the side of Evan Engram having a bigger 2026 season, in all likelihood.

Running it Back at Running Back

What about running back? The Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins, giving him $16 million over two years with the chance to earn as much as $10 million per year if he stays healthy and hits certain incentives in his contract.

Beyond Dobbins, the Broncos still have RJ Harvey coming back for Year 2, and they've re-signed Jaleel McLaughlin and tendered Tyler Badie, who was an exclusive rights free agent. As it stands, the Broncos haven't changed a thing at running back, except pay Dobbins more, despite missing seven games last season.

The Broncos would be remiss to fully run it back at this position, though. And even if they don't sign a free agent, they could still spend a draft pick on a running back, so it's possible some new blood is added to the room in time for the offseason training program.

Wide Receiver: The Big Question Mark

Wide receiver remains a question mark. The Broncos had only one free-agent wide receiver this offseason — Lil'Jordan Humphrey — but they re-signed him to a one-year deal on Friday.

Bo Nix needs help. He's a true franchise quarterback, which means he makes everyone better, or "raises the ships" around him. But imagine how much better he could be with another receiving weapon.

Alas, like every other position I've mentioned thus far, the Broncos appear content to run it back at wide receiver, betting on Courtland Sutton's Pro Bowl presence and the continued development of recent draft picks like Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr.

Still, I could see the Broncos bringing in a lower-level wideout in free agency once the dust settles on the market. It's also a position the Broncos are likely to address in April. Sean Payton has drafted a wideout in each year he's been Denver's head coach.

The other possibility is a blockbuster trade. Who knows? The Broncos could have created that cap space to make room for a trade acquisition at some point. Philadelphia's A.J. Brown and Miami's Jaylen Waddle continue to be spitballed in the rumor mill.

When it comes to the Broncos making any sort of blockbuster move this offseason, though, I'll believe it when I see it.

Are the Broncos just being stubborn now? Are they executing the ultimate troll of the media and their fanbase? That's what it feels like, but there is a vision, even if we don't understand it.

Considering how successful they've been, I'd trust the George Paton/Sean Payton regime to do the right things. They've won 32 regular-season games together, a playoff game, a division crown, and were one Nix injury away from the Super Bowl.

I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, even though with each passing day, the Broncos test my faith.

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