Feb. 20, 2026, 7:00 a.m. MT

With the NFL’s offseason underway, attention has turned toward the start of the NFL’s free agency negotiating window, which opens next month.

The Denver Broncos will not be able to retain all their free agents in 2026 due to salary cap limitations, which could lead to some integral role players ending up elsewhere across the NFL landscape. In an early analysis of the 2026 free agent class by Pro Football Focus, six Broncos are listed among the top 250 players.

The top Bronco player listed was running back J.K. Dobbins (No. 39), who becomes a free agent after just one season in orange and blue. PFF projects his value at a one-year $5 million deal, with $3.5 million guaranteed. For reference, Dobbins’ 2025 contract was worth just over $2 million.

Next on the list is defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (No. 59), who is going to seek out his options elsewhere after teammates Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen both reached four-year extensions worth over $100 million in 2025.

Other Broncos on the free agency radar include the linebacker duo of Justin Strnad (No. 90) and Alex Singleton (No. 153), safety P.J. Locke (No. 171) and tight end Marcedes Lewis (No. 191).

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Denver may look to re-sign one of either Singleton or Strnad, but there is a glaring need for a coverage linebacker after the defense was torched several times throughout the year by tight ends and running backs.

Locke provides a low-cost option in the defensive backfield, and he showed his ability in relief of injured safety Brandon Jones late in the season. Dobbins has expressed hope to come back as a veteran option in Denver, although his injury history could complicate negotiations. If Dobbins were to return, it would certainly have to be at a team-friendly agreement.

PFF’s Broncos free agent rankingsRB J.K. Dobbins (No. 39)DL John Franklin-Myers (No. 59)ILB Justin Strnad (No. 90)ILB Alex Singleton (No. 153)S P.J. Locke (No. 171)TE Marcedes Lewis (No. 191)

Teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9, ahead of the official start of the new league year (and free agency) on March 11.

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