For the first time since 2018, the Denver Broncos might be in line to receive at least one compensatory draft pick from the NFL in 2026.
The league awards comp picks each year, essentially compensating teams who lost more than they gained in free agency the previous offseason. The Broncos could receive as many as three comp picks in 2026.
Nick Korte of OverTheCap released a comp pick formula last week, and he has the departures of punter Riley Dixon, running back Javonte Williams and cornerback Tremon Smith as potential qualifying exits for seventh-round comp picks. Those exits could net Denver a trio of late-round picks — if the players get on the field enough to qualify.
The arrival of running back J.K. Dobbins could cancel out one of those seventh-round picks if he hits the benchmarks that trigger incentives in his contract. New wide receiver Trent Sherfield could also cancel out one of the comp picks if he gets enough snaps on offense. So we won’t know if sure how many comp picks (if any) are headed to the Broncos until after we see how much a few players get on the field this fall.
With three opportunities, though, the odds are in Denver’s favor that the club will land at least one seventh-round pick next spring. The Broncos currently hold six picks for next year’s draft.
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