Broncos owner shares big challenge for Sean Payton regarding 2025 season

In his second season serving as head coach of the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton guided the club to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth with rookie Bo Nix serving as Denver's starting quarterback. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner shared quite the challenge for Payton regarding the 2025 campaign. 

"Our absolute goal next year is to win our division," Penner said, as shared by Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' website. 

That's quite a statement considering the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs just finished the regular season atop the AFC West standings with a 15-2 record. One of those losses came when Kansas City essentially punted on its Week 18 game against Denver. 

The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes remains the sport's top big-game quarterback who just now may be entering his prime. Additionally, there's currently no sign that living legend Andy Reid is thinking about stepping down as Kansas City head coach this winter. 

With that said, it's understandable Penner would be optimistic about Denver's future. Per Pro Football Reference, Nix finished the regular season ranked sixth in the NFL with 29 touchdown passes, 12th with 3,775 passing yards and 19th with a 56.9 adjusted QBR. 

Per Jeff Legwold of ESPN, Payton revealed on Wednesday that he "had a good visit with" Nix on Tuesday and is "encouraged" by the 24-year-old's desire to improve. 

In a different article, Legwold mentioned that the Broncos would be "in search of Payton's 'joker,' the runner-receiver combination he often had in New Orleans with players like Alvin Kamara, Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles," this offseason. Legwold also said that acquiring other offensive playmakers and getting stronger at inside linebacker are among Denver's "priorities" heading into the new league year that opens in March. 

"I will say that while we are incredibly pleased with the progress and number of accomplishments this year, we don't at all feel like we are satisfied with where we are. We know that this offseason will be a critical one for us to build for the future," Penner added on Wednesday. "Our main message to [the fans] is we have our sights set really high, and we are going to be doing everything we can to continue to build a great team and compete for championships."

In short, the pressure is on Payton to ensure his team does more than simply clinch a playoff berth via a Week 18 win next January.