The final whistle of the AFC Championship Game signaled not just the end of a season, but the starting gun for the Denver Broncos' most critical period: the offseason. General Manager George Paton and his staff immediately begin the complex task of building a roster capable of taking the final step to a Super Bowl, a process fraught with difficult financial decisions and strategic planning.
Potential Cap Casualties Emerge A January 26 analysis from Sports Illustrated highlighted three Broncos veterans who could be released for salary cap relief in the 2026 league year:
- DL D.J. Jones: Cited with a 75.4% 'negative fate' score, Jones's significant cap number could make him a casualty as the team looks to get younger and more flexible along the defensive front.
- TE Evan Engram: With a 65.7% score, Engram's productive tenure in Denver may end as the team evaluates cost versus production at the tight end position.
- QB Jarrett Stidham: Following the AFC Championship start, Stidham's future is listed as uncertain (53.1%). If the Broncos seek a different veteran backup or pursue a quarterback in the draft, Stidham's $4.5 million cap savings could be enticing.
These decisions will be balanced against the need to retain core talent and address weaknesses through free agency.
Building the Foundation: Future Contracts Signed A positive first step in roster building has already been taken. The Broncos announced the signing of 13 players to future contracts for the 2026 season. These contracts are standard for players who finished the season on the practice squad or were free agents after the season ended. They allow the team to retain developmental talent and provide bodies for offseason workouts and training camp. While specific names were not released, this group often includes young players the coaching staff wants to evaluate further.
The Russell Wilson Chapter is Closed For the first time since 2022, the Denver Broncos' salary cap will operate completely free of the massive dead money charges associated with quarterback Russell Wilson. As confirmed by Yahoo Sports, Wilson's contract is entirely off the Broncos' books as of the 2026 league year. This finally provides the franchise with full financial flexibility, an essential tool for Paton as he navigates extensions for young stars and the free agent market.
Extension Framework in Place Prior to the season's end, the Broncos secured several key pieces on multi-year deals, providing stability heading into the offseason. Kicker Wil Lutz, center Luke Wattenberg, and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach were all signed to contract extensions, ensuring continuity at specialist, offensive line, and defensive line positions.
The Road to 2026 The offseason priorities are clear: manage the cap shrewdly, continue to build through the draft, and make targeted acquisitions in free agency to supplement a roster that just competed in the AFC Championship. All moves will be made with an eye on supporting the expected return of a healthy Bo Nix at quarterback and fortifying the team to conquer the AFC's final hurdle.