The roadmap for the Denver Broncos' 2026 offseason is now set in stone. The NFL officially announced on Friday the complete offseason workout schedule, confirming the timeline that Head Coach Sean Payton had previously outlined for his team. According to the league's announcement, Broncos players will report for the start of the voluntary program on Monday, May 4, kicking off a critical nine-week period of development, installation, and competition.
This formal schedule provides the structure for what Payton and General Manager George Paton have repeatedly emphasized as a foundational summer. After a season of evaluation and transition, these organized team activities (OTAs), minicamps, and conditioning sessions represent the first collective steps toward building the roster that will take the field this fall. For fans eager to see the direction of the franchise, the calendar now offers tangible milestones to follow.
The Phased Approach: A League-Mandated Blueprint
The NFL's offseason program is meticulously segmented into three distinct phases, each with specific rules governing player contact and activity. The Broncos will adhere strictly to this league-wide blueprint.
Phase 1 (May 4 - May 23): This initial period, spanning the first two weeks, is limited to strength and conditioning, physical rehabilitation, and classroom instruction. On-field work is prohibited, with the focus squarely on building a physical base and immersing players--especially newcomers--in the playbook. For a Broncos team likely integrating several new faces from the draft and free agency, this mental reps period is invaluable. It's a time for quarterbacks to build rapport with receivers in informal settings and for the entire squad to absorb the nuances of the schemes being installed by Payton and his coordinators.
Phase 2 (May 26 - June 6): The intensity ramps up slightly in Phase 2. On-field workouts are permitted but must be conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact or offense-versus-defense drills are allowed. This phase is often described as "football in shorts," where players can work on individual technique, route timing, and defensive assignments without the pressure of full-speed competition. It's a crucial bridge between the classroom and the more dynamic Phase 3, allowing coaches to correct alignment and assignment errors in a controlled environment.
Phase 3 (June 9 - June 12): This final segment of OTAs is where the action visibly picks up. Teams are allowed to conduct 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, though live contact remains prohibited. This is the closest simulation to real football during the spring, providing the first true look at positional battles, quarterback decision-making under simulated pressure, and how new pieces fit within the system. For the Broncos, these four days in June will offer the first real glimpse of the 2026 team's identity on both sides of the ball.
The Capstone: Mandatory Minicamp
Following the conclusion of Phase 3 OTAs, the Broncos will hold their mandatory full-squad minicamp from Tuesday, June 17 through Thursday, June 19. This three-day event is the climax of the offseason program. Attendance is compulsory for all players under contract, barring excused absences, making it the most complete gathering of the roster before training camp opens in late July.
Minicamp practices typically follow a Phase 3 structure but with heightened significance. It's often where depth charts begin to crystallize and coaches send their strongest messages about performance and expectations. For players on the roster bubble, it's a final, critical audition in front of the entire staff before the summer break. The work done during these three days sets the tone for player accountability and focus heading into the extended break before the grind of training camp.
Why This Schedule Matters More Than Ever
While the offseason program is annually important, this year's schedule carries added weight for the Broncos. The team is in the midst of a significant recalibration. The quarterback position--the engine of any Payton offense--will be under an intense microscope. Whether it's a veteran acquisition, a high-draft-pick rookie, or an incumbent stepping up, the OTAs and minicamp will be the first proving ground for the man tasked with leading the offense.
Furthermore, the defense, which showed flashes of improvement last season, will be looking to build consistency. The installation period allows new veterans and young players alike to get fully synchronized with Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph's vision, creating the communication and trust necessary for a unit to perform cohesively.
The schedule also underscores the cultural foundation Payton is building. His programs are known for being demanding, detailed, and competitive. These voluntary sessions often see high participation from key veterans, setting a standard for the entire locker room. The official schedule provides every player a clear timeline to meet those expectations. The choice to show up and work in May and June is often a telling indicator of a player's commitment level, and Payton and his staff will be watching closely.
Looking Ahead: From Spring Installation to Summer Competition
The official announcement of the schedule turns the page from the speculative phase of the offseason--free agency and the draft--to the practical phase of implementation. The theoretical upgrades made to the roster must now be translated to the field. Chemistry must be forged in the meeting rooms and on the practice fields at the Centura Health Training Center.
For Broncos Country, the dates of May 4, June 9, and June 17 now mark the beginning of the journey back to meaningful football. The stories that will define the 2026 season will start to take shape during these weeks. Which rookie will turn heads? Which veteran will show up in the best shape of his career? How will the offensive line gel? The answers begin to form not in September but in the spring.
The NFL's official schedule is more than just a list of dates; it's the starting pistol for the new campaign. The Broncos, with their blueprint now publicly confirmed, are poised to answer the call on May 4. The work to build a contender starts now.