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 it could make sense for Denver to negotiate a long-term contract. A new deal could create cap flexibility, as the Broncos will save $9.2 million, according to Over the Cap.
The Broncos will also lock down one of the league’s best interior defenders. Allen was named second-team All-Pro after he totaled 8.5 sacks and 67 pressures — 10th-most in the league. 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, has established himself as an important figure in Denver’s defense. It’s only right for the Broncos to solidify his future with the organization.
Sign TE Mike Gesicki
Denver needs a vertical threat at tight end. Gesicki fits that role without potentially hurting the team’s pockets. 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 yard total was more than Denver’s tight end room (Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins), which combined for 455 yards and five touchdowns on 46 catches.
The Broncos saw firsthand the value Gesicki could provide to the offense. In Week 17’s loss to Cincinnati, Gesicki totaled 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 to Denver’s offense.
Draft RB Ashton Jeanty in 1st round of 2025 draft
Denver’s performance against Buffalo — 79 yards on 17 attempts — was further proof that it needs to take a serious look at its rushing attack.
Throughout the season, Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime never established themselves as a top running back. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, can potentially 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 contribute in pass protection.
There’s a possibility Jeanty will be taken before Denver makes its selection with the 20th overall pick. Teams like the Bengals and Cowboys could draft him ahead of the Broncos. If available, Jeanty has the potential to bolster Denver’s offense, which looked one-dimensional at times this season due to inconsistency in the run game.
Sign WR Chris Godwin
Upgrading the wide receiver room is another way for Denver to build around Nix in the offseason. In doing so, the Broncos might have to be aggressive in their free-agent approach and go after 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.
The Broncos’ wide receiver room looks better by pairing Godwin with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele. 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 while Alex Singleton returns 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 defense, which features young and talented players like cornerback Pat Surtain II and edge rusher Nik Bonitto.
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