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The Denver Broncos are officially heading into an offseason that feels different, and their own players are saying the quiet part out loud.
After spending the past two years dealing with the financial fallout of the Russell Wilson breakup, Broncos veterans are openly joking about the money finally being “free,” and the idea that Denver could be ready to spend to keep the roster together and upgrade the offense. NFL.com laid out the argument.
It’s the kind of comment that instantly gets fans thinking: is a Broncos “spending spree” actually coming?
Broncos Players Start Talking “Free Russell Wilson Money”
Linebacker Alex Singleton cracked the line that’s now making the rounds when he was asked about free agency and what he wants next, via the Denver Post.
“To be the richest player ever, right?” Singleton joked, before adding: “We have a lot of free Russell money, right?”
That’s the key change for Denver. The Broncos absorbed a historic dead-cap hit when they moved on from Wilson, and now that burden is finally lifting. With the season over, the franchise is positioned to operate without the same financial handcuffs that shaped recent offseasons.
Singleton isn’t the only notable name in the mix, either. Denver has several important contributors approaching the market, especially on defense, which sets up a real test of how aggressive the front office wants to be.
What It Means for Denver’s Free Agents and Core Defense
The Broncos’ defense was a major part of the team’s run this season, and the list of looming decisions is not small.
Singleton is one of the headline free agents, and he’s coming off a season that carried extra meaning after his battle with testicular cancer. Fellow linebacker Justin Strnad is also up, and defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers could have a strong market if other teams try to outbid Denver.
The Broncos also have a key restricted free-agent decision at nickel corner. Ja’Quan McMillian played an important role in Vance Joseph’s defense, and Denver can’t afford to lose too many pieces in the secondary if it wants to keep the unit intact.
This is where the “free Russell money” conversation turns into real-world roster-building. It’s not just about chasing outside stars, it’s about whether Denver pays the price to keep what worked.
Broncos Also Have Clear Offensive Needs Around Bo Nix
Even if the Broncos prioritize re-signing defenders, there’s a second part to the story: the offense still needs help.
The clearest need is another legitimate pass-catcher, the type of No. 1 target who can make life easier on Bo Nix in the biggest moments. Those players don’t come cheap, and they don’t usually hit the market often.
The running back situation is also one to watch. J.K. Dobbins is set to hit free agency, and he sounded like someone who wants to stick around after his one-year prove-it deal.
“It’s been a great time here in my short time here,” Dobbins told NFL.com. “I think I will be here. Hopefully, I will. I’m a Bronco for life.”
On the offensive line, Pro Bowl left tackle Garett Bolles framed Denver as a destination, pointing to Sean Payton, a young quarterback, and what he believes is “the best O-line in football.”
That’s the pitch, anyway: a team with a real foundation, money to maneuver, and a quarterback still on a rookie contract window.
The Cap Space Reality and Why This Offseason Feels Different
Denver isn’t walking into the offseason with unlimited money, but it’s walking in with flexibility and options.
The Broncos entered the 2026 offseason with roughly $27.5 million in cap space (around the middle of the league), plus the ability to restructure deals to create more room. Just as important: their dead money number is dramatically lower than it was during the Wilson cleanup years.
Put it all together, and you can see why players are already talking like reinforcements are coming.
Now Denver has to prove it.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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