Broncos top free-agency spending

The Denver Broncos have spent a league-high of just under $236 million in total contracts more than one week after the start of the NFL's free agency period, Broncos Wire Managing Editor Jon Heath wrote in a Thursday article.

The number includes the total values of 10 contracts. It does not include the total value of punter Riley Dixon's deal, the return of cornerback Essang Bassey or the returns of linebacker Jonas Griffith and offensive lineman Quinn Bailey.

The Broncos signed and re-signed free agents from across the league and on both sides of the ball.

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract earlier this month. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract on March 13. Defensive lineman Zach Allen inked a three-year, $45.75 million deal following a productive season with the Arizona Cardinals.

McGlinchey expressed confidence in head coach Sean Payton's ability to elevate the game of quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday.

"I'm very familiar with Russ, playing against him twice a year for four years," McGlinchey said. "He's broken my heart numerous times. I know his game, I know what he's capable of. 

"He's a Hall of Famer. And he's capable of doing great things and winning a lot of games in this league like he did for a decade in Seattle. And I think coach Payton and the situation we're going into is going to elevate his game even more." 

Whether they intended to or not, the Broncos have thrown themselves into "win now" mode with their recent spending spree and trade for Payton.

Denver's signings left the Broncos with just below -$5.81 million in cap space in 2023 and -$28.42 million in 2024, according to Spotrac. Unless they can offload some of their larger contracts, the Broncos are going to have to try to win with the team they have currently assembled.