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Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Free agents Broncos can target without losing comp picks

Originally posted on Denver Broncos on SI
By Chad Jensen | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 5:47 PM ET

The Denver Broncos have been relatively quiet on the free-agent front since the new league year opened. We're now more than two weeks into free agency, and the Broncos have signed just one outside guy, although they orchestrated one of the blockbuster moves of 2026 thus far by trading for Jaylen Waddle.

Two outside moves — plus 17 re-signings or tenders of their own free agents. That's been the Broncos' relatively conservative approach to this offseason, if you can call it that; they did make a huge splash via trade.

One of the reasons for the Broncos' inactivity is the compensatory draft pick formula, ostensibly. The Broncos are projected to receive a 2027 fourth- and a seventh-round comp pick for the loss of defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and safety P.J. Locke.

Considering how deep and talented the 2027 draft class is, especially in comparison to the 2026 class, it's understandable why the Broncos want to protect those two projected comp picks. Now, after the 2026 draft, the Broncos can sign any unrestricted free agent, and it won't count toward the comp pick formula, regardless of how much they're paid.

Until then, the Broncos are limited to street free agents and low-value deals, like the contract for safety Tycen Anderson, if they want to protect those 2027 comp picks. So, with Over The Cap estimating the Broncos have upwards of $18 million in effective cap space currently, there are some intriguing street free agents lingering out there.

Keep in mind, the Broncos have to budget a fraction of that $18 million to sign their coming draft class, but without a first or third-round pick (Waddle trade), the cost will be significantly diminished, compared to most years.

Now, just because I've listed a player today doesn't mean I'm straight-up advocating for the Broncos to sign him. Many are coming off injuries, but they're all worth a call — to kick the tires, at least.

David Njoku

He's still out there. Having been released with a post-June 1 designation, Njoku is fair game for the Broncos.

Njoku is 29 and an excellent Y tight end who can work in-line as a blocker and remains highly effective as a receiver.

Tyreek Hill

Hill comes with a heap of red flags, which is why he's still available after Miami moved on. He's on the wrong side of 30, he's coming off a brutal knee injury, and he's been an off-field distraction at times in his career.

Still, if that knee puts him on track to play in 2026, Hill is at least worth a phone call.

Marshon Lattimore

The Broncos don't "need" a cornerback, not right now. But Riley Moss is entering a contract year, so it's an under-the-radar need, and Lattimore is a former Sean Payton draft pick in New Orleans.

I'd be shocked if the Broncos hadn't already at least called Lattimore.

Jonnu Smith

Smith isn't a dominant blocker, but he's capable on the move. He'd bring a veteran presence to the Broncos' tight end room, but this probably isn't a move the Broncos make so long as Evan Engram remains on the roster. They don't need another "move" tight end; they need an in-line guy.

Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2024.

Bobby Okereke

The Broncos brought back Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, but released Dre Greenlaw. The third linebacker in Denver's rotation sees a lot of action, and Okereke, though he might cost more than what the Broncos want to spend currently, would be a great addition.

Joe Mixon

Mixon missed all of last season and he's 30, but when healthy, he's still a playmaker. The Broncos could use a little first and second-down insurance for J.K. Dobbins, and RJ Harvey isn't ready for that.

Xavier Woods

The Broncos signed Anderson, but Woods has real starting experience. The safety position is slightly questionable depth-wise after Locke's departure.

If the Broncos are right about Devon Key, then it's more of a non-issue. The trouble is, we won't know that until the fall. Before he injured his hamstring, Woods started 10 games for Tennessee, picked off two passes, and broke up three. He can still play.

Justin Jones

This one's dicey. There's a good reason why Jones is still available, and that's the two major injuries he suffered in back-to-back seasons. He didn't play in 2025 with a torn triceps, and that came after a knee injury cost him all but three games the year prior.

However, Jones is only 29 and when he's healthy, he's a solid presence upfront. The Broncos have some questions to answer on the D-line with Franklin-Myers gone, and if Jones's recovery checks out medically, he'd be worth a look.

Will Dissly

I'm only mentioning Dissly because he was released by the Chargers. He had a bizarre 2025 season, but the year prior, he produced 50 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns.

Dissly will turn 30 in July.

This article first appeared on Denver Broncos on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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