Bo Nix’s Recovery Takes Center Stage

Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback, faced a significant setback during the 2025 season when he suffered a broken right ankle in the final moments of an overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills. The injury occurred just as the team was riding high on the momentum of a thrilling win. Nix underwent surgery this week to repair the ankle, and the early prognosis suggests that he is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks.

If Nix stays on this recovery timeline, he should miss only a small portion of the offseason training activities (OTAs) and will likely be ready to participate in the mandatory minicamp later in the spring. This gives him ample time to get back into form before the start of training camp, meaning that this injury is not severe enough to impact the 2026 season.

Does the Coaching Staff Lose Key Figures?

Sean Payton’s leadership has brought the Broncos back to relevance, but the success of the 2025 season may lead to key members of his coaching staff being sought after by other teams. With the Broncos eliminated from the playoffs, potential suitors can now conduct in-person interviews with Broncos personnel, including defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and offensive pass game coordinator Davis Webb.

Both Joseph and Webb have been in high demand this hiring cycle. Webb, in particular, has drawn interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills, both of which are still looking for a new offensive coordinator. While the Ravens recently hired Jesse Minter, the departure of Webb could pose challenges for the Broncos’ offense, which is still developing under Nix.

Joseph, on the other hand, has been requested by numerous teams. Although some organizations have already filled their coaching vacancies, the Raiders and Arizona Cardinals are still searching for a new head coach. If Joseph leaves, it could significantly impact the Broncos’ defense, which ranked among the best in the NFL this season.

Bolstering the Offense Around Nix

The Broncos need to continue building a strong supporting cast around Nix on the offensive side of the ball. This season, the team struggled at the skill positions, ranking 28th in the NFL in yards per reception from wide receivers and tight ends combined. Courtland Sutton led the team with 1,017 receiving yards, but Denver lacked a consistent second option at receiver.

Additionally, the tight end position did not fully develop under Payton’s “Joker” concept. Evan Engram never found his footing, and the team cycled through several players at the position throughout the season.

Strengthening the Backfield

Denver’s rushing attack also suffered in the 2025 season, especially after J.K. Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10. Rookie RJ Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, and the team’s inability to run the football effectively became a critical weakness in the AFC Championship game.

With Dobbins set to hit free agency and having a history of injuries, the Broncos would be wise to add a reliable running back this offseason. A strong ground game could make a significant difference in future matchups, particularly in high-stakes games where weather conditions might favor a physical approach.

Offseason Assets and Free Agents

The Broncos have several notable free agents available, including defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, linebacker Alex Singleton, running back J.K. Dobbins, and safety P.J. Locke. Additionally, Ja’Quan McMillan is a restricted free agent.

Denver is projected to have roughly $35.4 million in available salary cap space, which ranks as the 12th highest in the NFL. As for the NFL Draft, the Broncos have five picks within the first four rounds, including their own first-round selection. This provides them with flexibility to address key needs and build a competitive roster for the 2026 season.