The 'Run-It-Back' Broncos: Denver is keeping its own during the first wave of free agency
#Denver Broncos #free agency #re-signing #roster continuity #NFL #offseason #contracts
📌 Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos are prioritizing re-signing their own players in early free agency.
- The team's strategy is described as a 'Run-It-Back' approach, focusing on continuity.
- This indicates a belief in the existing roster's potential for the upcoming season.
- The moves are part of the first wave of NFL free agency activity.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
NFL Free Agency, Team Strategy
📚 Related People & Topics
Denver Broncos
National Football League franchise in Denver, Colorado
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
National Football League
Professional American football league
# National Football League (NFL) The **National Football League (NFL)** is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the **American Football Conference (AFC)** and the **National Football Conference (NFC)**. It is recognized as the highest professional ...
Entity Intersection Graph
Connections for Denver Broncos:
Mentioned Entities
Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it signals the Denver Broncos' strategic approach to team building, prioritizing continuity and chemistry over splashy external signings. It affects Broncos fans who want to see improvement from last season, the players being retained who gain job security, and the team's salary cap situation for future moves. The decision to 'run it back' suggests confidence in the existing roster's potential, which could either pay off with improved performance or backfire if the same group fails to progress.
Context & Background
- The Denver Broncos finished the 2023 season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
- Head coach Sean Payton is entering his second season with the team after being hired in 2023 to replace Nathaniel Hackett.
- The Broncos recently released quarterback Russell Wilson, absorbing a record $85 million dead cap hit, which significantly impacts their financial flexibility in free agency.
- Denver has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since Peyton Manning retired after winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season.
What Happens Next
The Broncos will likely focus on the NFL Draft in late April to address remaining roster needs, particularly at quarterback, offensive line, and defensive positions. They may pursue second-tier free agents once the initial wave subsides and prices drop. Training camp in late July will reveal if the continuity strategy translates to improved on-field performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Broncos have limited salary cap space due to Russell Wilson's massive dead cap hit, making it difficult to pursue expensive external free agents. Additionally, the team believes in the potential of their existing roster and wants to maintain continuity under second-year coach Sean Payton's system.
'Run it back' refers to a strategy where a team keeps most of its roster intact from the previous season rather than making significant changes. This approach banks on player development, improved chemistry, and better execution within the same system to achieve better results.
With Russell Wilson released, the Broncos currently have Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as quarterbacks on the roster. The 'run it back' approach suggests they may draft a quarterback rather than pursue an expensive veteran, or they might believe Stidham can develop into a starter with the returning supporting cast.
While the article doesn't specify, likely retention targets include core defensive players like Justin Simmons or Patrick Surtain II, offensive linemen, and skill position players who showed promise last season. The team would prioritize keeping young talent that fits Payton's system.