Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos’ season ended Sunday after the Buffalo Bills routed Denver 31-7 to advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
Payton and the Broncos head into the offseason optimistic about their future. The Broncos exceeded expectations with rookie quarterback Bo Nix and ended their long playoff drought. Nix finished the regular season as a NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, and cornerback Pat Surtain II is in the Defensive Player of the Year conversion.
However, the offseason has arrived for the upstart Broncos squad. What’s next for the Broncos as they prepare for the 2025 season?
USA TODAY Sports explores.
Broncos key free agents
Javonte Williams, RB
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Williams lost snaps to Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime toward the end of the season, a sign the team is prepared to let him walk in free agency. He did finish the year as Denver’s leading rusher and is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield.
Cody Barton, LB
Barton’s had at least 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. He tallied 106 tackles his first year in Denver, the second-best total on the team.
Ja’Quan McMillian, CB
McMillian emerged as a key member of Denver’s secondary. The slot corner had two interceptions in each of the past two seasons. He’s allowed under a 65% completion rate in all three years as a Broncos DB. He’s an exclusive rights free agent.
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Tight end
The Broncos didn’t have a tight end catch produce above 20 receptions. Nix often makes plays off-script. A tight end security blanket would work to his benefit when he tries to extend plays and look for open pass catchers.
Running back
The Broncos haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Denver used a running back by committee approach this year. Williams led the team in rushing and he’s scheduled to hit free agency.
Defensive line
Zach Allen was Denver’s most impactful defensive lineman. Malcolm Roach and D.J. Jones had 43 tackles and 42 tackles, respectively. But Jones is scheduled to hit free agency.
Broncos draft needs
- Tight end
- Running back
- Defensive line
The Broncos have seven picks in the 2025 NFL draft:
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 6
- Round 6 (from PHI)
- Round 6 (from ARI)