Now that the Denver Broncos are in the offseason, they will set their sights on what they need to do to build on their most successful season since 2015. Everyone will have their eyes on what they will do in free agency. Denver will benefit if it can re-sign three impactful players who are all set to become free agents.
Three Free Agents The Broncos Need To Re-sign In 2026
J.K. Dobbins — Running Back
J.K. Dobbins is the first free agent the Broncos should prioritize keeping, as he led the team with 772 rushing yards this season, even after suffering a foot injury in week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, which kept him from playing for the remainder of the season. The former Ohio State Buckeye, who’s also played for the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers, said he wants to stay in Denver.
Dobbins brings the explosiveness the Broncos need at the running back position, averaging 5 yards per carry over 10 games and recording 21 rushing attempts of 10+ yards.
Unless the Broncos plan to bring in another running back of Dobbins’ caliber in free agency, such as Breece Hall, Dobbins is one of their best options. It wouldn’t be wise for Denver to spend a high draft pick on a running back in the draft if Dobbins decides to go elsewhere. RJ Harvey definitely played his part and, at times, helped fill the void during Dobbins’ absence. However, the Broncos need a seasoned running back who has more than one season of experience and leadership, which is exactly what Dobbins has.
Moreover, Denver shouldn’t avoid drafting another running back in 2026, but bringing in a talented free agent such as Hall or Rico Dowdle would be huge, especially if they keep Dobbins. The Broncos should draft a running back with the intention to help take the load off of Dobbins and Harvey, or any other veteran they may sign, as Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie are most likely not long-term options for the team.
Ja’Quan McMillian — Cornerback
Ja’Quan McMillian is another player the Broncos need to prioritize bringing back. Even though the cornerback who went undrafted out of Eastern Carolina only stands at 5’10, he proves he can make plays.
McMillian was big this year for the Broncos because he had two interceptions, with one of those interceptions being a pick-six and the Broncos’ first defensive touchdown of the season during their final regular-season game against the Chargers on Jan. 4.
The cornerback also knows how to tackle, force fumbles, and deflect passes, while putting pressure on quarterbacks; he ranked first among all cornerbacks in 2025 with 4 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
It’s always great when a secondary has a versatile cornerback like McMillian, who can hold his own against slot receivers while also being able to make stops effectively. Without McMillian, the Broncos wouldn’t have advanced to the AFC Championship, as fans are still processing the spectacular interception he made in overtime during the team’s Divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills. If he and the Broncos can’t reach an agreement this offseason, many other teams would love to add him to help bolster their defense.
Devon Key — Safety
One aspect of football that doesn’t get discussed enough is special teams. The Broncos have the honor of saying they had one of the best special teams players this past season. After a stellar season on special teams, Devon Key earned first-team All-Pro honors.
The Pro Football Writers of America named Key to its All-NFL and All-AFC teams. The safety who went undrafted out of Western Kentucky, while also having stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, was among the NFL’s leaders in special teams tackles in 2025.
Just as McMillian, Key made some big plays against the Bills as well, recovering a fumble and making three special teams tackles. Additionally, he is the first Broncos player to earn an All-NFL selection as a special teams player since 1992, when the team added the award.
Playing well on special teams proves one thing: Key has the potential to become an important part of the Broncos’ defense. Terrell Davis, one of the greatest players in Broncos history, made a name for himself by making plays on special teams. It will be exciting to see what Key can do if he stays in Denver, while he could be a replacement for P.J. Locke, who will also be a free agent.
