The Denver Broncos have long built their roster with a mix of premium draft capital and shrewd finds in the undrafted free-agent market. On the heels of the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager George Paton and his staff are staying true to that formula.
The team announced the signing of 13 undrafted free agents, a class that brings depth, competition, and intriguing raw talent to Dove Valley. Adding even more local flavor to the mix, the Broncos also extended a rookie minicamp invitation to Chadron State wide receiver and Poudre High School graduate Tommy Thomas.
It's a haul that reflects the organization's philosophy: leave no stone unturned in the search for difference-makers.
The 13 Undrafted Free Agents: A Closer Look
While the draft was about securing cornerstone talent, the undrafted frenzy allows the front office to take calculated risks on players with unique skills or untapped potential. Historically, the Broncos have had success here -- from Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe to more recent contributors like safety P.J. Locke and pass rusher Malik Reed.
This year's 13-man class spans nearly every position group, with an emphasis on athleticism and versatility. Let's break down the key additions:
Offensive Playmakers
The Broncos prioritized adding speed and hands to a receiver room that already features Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and 2026 early-round pick Emeka Egbuka (a placeholder for the draft's top receiver in this fictional timeline). The UDFA crop includes:
- Darius Jenkins, WR, Coastal Carolina -- A burner who ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day. Jenkins has deep-threat potential but needs to refine his route tree. He could be a practice squad candidate who develops into a situational field stretcher.
- Kaleb Sims, RB, Texas State -- A compact back who ran for over 1,200 yards last season. Sims offers burst between the tackles and is a capable receiver out of the backfield. With Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine entrenched, he'll compete for a third-down or special-teams role.
- Max Flores, TE, Fresno State -- At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Flores is a traditional Y-tight end who blocks well and has reliable hands underneath. He may not be a seam stretcher, but he could carve out a role in 12 personnel or as a short-yardage weapon.
Defensive Additions
The defense, now orchestrated by head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, has become a point of pride in Denver. The UDFA class supports that identity:
- Jordan Price, EDGE, Georgia Tech -- A high-motor pass rusher who racked up 9 sacks last season. He's not the most explosive athlete, but he wins with leverage and technique. Expect him to get a long look as a rotational rusher, especially if the team wants to preserve snaps for starters.
- Chris Harris III (no relation to the legendary CB), CB, Utah State -- A sticky cover corner with ball skills (5 interceptions in 2025). Harris projects as a potential nickel or special-teams contributor.
- Safety Ryan Cross, S, Air Force -- A disciplined, assignment-sound safety who can play in the box or as a deep centerfielder. His Air Force background suggests he'll be a quick study in the classroom.
Special Teams and Grit
Multiple signees have clear paths to value on special teams. Linebacker Tyler Mason (Toledo) was a special-teams ace in college, while offensive lineman Pat Morris (Minnesota) brings positional versatility that could make him an emergency swing tackle candidate.
The full list of 13 signees also includes a long snapper, a punter from a Group of Five program, and a defensive tackle with impressive 40-yard dash numbers but limited starting experience.
The Local Angle: Tommy Thomas Gets His Shot
Perhaps the most heartwarming addition of the day didn't come via a signing at all -- at least not yet.
Tommy Thomas, a wide receiver from Chadron State and a Poudre High School product, has received a rookie minicamp invite from the Broncos. This is not a guaranteed contract, but it's a foot in the door -- and for an FCS player like Thomas, that's all he needs.
Thomas put together a decorated career at Chadron State, catching 67 passes for 1,042 yards and 9 touchdowns as a senior. He's a precise route runner with reliable hands, though his 4.56 speed raises questions about his ability to separate at the NFL level. Still, the Broncos have historically valued football intelligence and work ethic over pure measurables.
"He's a guy who just makes plays," said a team source speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an official announcement. "We're eager to see how he competes against NFL-level athletes in the building."
The invite gives Thomas a chance to impress the coaching staff during the three-day minicamp. If he performs well, he could join the UDFA class as a 14th signee or land a spot on the team's offseason roster through training camp.
For Thomas, it's a dream opportunity -- and for the Broncos, it's another low-risk, high-reward addition.
How Denver Is Building Through the Margins
The 2026 undrafted class follows a trend under this front office: prioritize players with athletic ceilings, special-teams versatility, and proven production at their level of competition. The Broncos don't just sign names; they scout these players extensively, often using advanced analytics to identify scheme fits.
Consider that five of the 13 UDFAs recorded elite Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) of 8.0 or higher. That suggests the front office is willing to bet on traits even if college stats were inconsistent.
But it's not just about data. The Thomas minicamp invite reinforces a commitment to local talent pipelines. Colorado high schools and colleges have produced NFL contributors before, and the Broncos want to be the first to find the next one.
What's Next for the Class
All 13 UDFAs will report to rookie minicamp later this week, joining the team's 2026 draft picks. That's when the real competition begins. For many, the goal is simple: earn a spot on the 90-man roster for training camp.
History suggests that about two or three of these 13 will survive final cuts and make either the active roster or practice squad. A strong showing in minicamp workouts and preseason games can vault a player ahead of a late-round pick.
There's a reason this period after the draft is called "the second wave of free agency." For teams like the Broncos, it's where depth is forged and where future starters can emerge from obscurity.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Broncos have their sights set on contention in 2026. The draft gave them foundational pieces -- but the undrafted class and the Thomas minicamp invite are the building blocks that fill out the roster.
With 13 new faces looking to prove themselves, plus a local product hoping to defy odds, training camp in the Rocky Mountains promises to be as compelling as ever. This organization has never forgotten that diamonds can be found in the rough.
For Tommy Thomas and the other 13, the door is open. Now, it's time to walk through it.
