The Broncos want to close the gap between them and the league’s top contenders. From drafting a running back and linebacker to adding a veteran tight end, here are a few moves Denver could make to achieve its goal:
Extend DE Zach Allen
Allen is entering the final year of his three-year, $45.7 million deal, and is coming off a career season. If the Broncos choose to negotiate an extension, they could lock up one of the league’s best interior defenders long-term and create cap flexibility for other moves.
Allen, 27, was named second-team All-Pro after he totaled 8.5 sacks and 67 pressures — 10th-most in the league — this season. He also was effective in defending the run. Allen had 20 run stuffs (tackles resulting in a loss or no gain) — tied for second among defensive linemen, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
Allen, 27, established himself as an important figure in Denver’s defense. The pressure is on Denver to keep him around long-term.
Sign TE Mike Gesicki
Denver needs a vertical threat at tight end. Gesicki fits that role without commanding a big salary. He earned $1.5 million with the Bengals in 2024 and could fetch $6.8 million per year, according to Over the Cap’s Valuation metric, which measures contract value with on-field production.
Gesicki had his best season since 2021 when he was with the Dolphins. The 29-year-old totaled 65 catches for 665 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 17 games (three starts). His receiving yardage was more than Denver’s tight end room (Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins) combined (455 yards, five touchdowns on 46 catches).
The Broncos saw Gesicki’s value firsthand. In Week 17’s loss to Cincinnati, he had 10 catches for 86 yards on 12 targets against Denver’s defense. Whether the Broncos draft a tight end or not, he would be a significant addition.
Draft RB Ashton Jeanty in first round
Denver’s performance against Buffalo — 79 yards on 17 carries — was further proof it needs to take a look at its rushing attack.
Neither Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin or rookie Audric Estime established themselves as a top back. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, could fill that role.
In his third season at Boise State, Jeanty totaled 2,609 yards and 29 touchdowns. He rushed for at least 200 yards in six games and showed he can pass protect.
There’s a possibility Jeanty will be taken before Denver makes its selection at No. 20 overall. Teams like the Bengals and Cowboys may want an upgrade. If available, Jeanty has the potential to add a dimension to Denver’s offense that was missing all too often this season.
Sign WR Chris Godwin
Upgrading the wide receiver room is another way for Denver to build around Nix. The Broncos might have to be aggressive in free agency to make that happen — which means targeting someone like Tampa Bay wideout Chris Godwin.
Godwin was on a roll before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury. Through the first seven weeks, the 28-year-old had 50 catches for 576 yards — the most in the league during that span — and five touchdowns.
Godwin, a third-round pick in 2017, has been one of the most productive slot receivers in the league over the past few seasons. He recorded at least 1,000 yards in three straight years before 2024.
Spotrac projects Godwin’s value to be $22.5 million per year.
Draft LB Jihaad Campbell in second round
The Broncos need to upgrade at inside linebacker, especially with Cody Barton and Justin Strnad hitting free agency and Alex Singleton returning from a torn ACL.
Campbell, who played three seasons at Alabama, is one of the best off-ball linebackers in this year’s draft class. In 2024, he totaled 117 tackles in 13 games. He was named first-team All-SEC and a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
Campbell is a sure tackler, solid in coverage and effective as a blitzer. He totaled a team-high five sacks. He would be a solid addition to Denver’s young, up-and-coming defense.
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