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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the New York Giants.
The Denver Broncos made several roster moves on Friday, further setting the stage for what is to come in free agency and the draft this offseason.
Among this wave of decisions, the Broncos have secured a 2025 All-Pro, a former draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, a former United Football League standout, and a former service academy member.
They also set the stage for a previously intriguing prospect’s exit.
Broncos Extend Qualifying Offers to All-Pro Special Teamer, Former UFL Standout
GettyDevon Key #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
9News’ Mike Klis broke the news about the roster moves, posting on X on March 6, “Per source, #Broncos have agreements to bring back exclusive rights free agent safety/All Pro special teamer Devon Key and fellow ERFA OLB Dondrea Tillman, who had 4.0 sacks and 2 INTs (with impressive returns) last year.
“Key and Tillman will both be tendered at $1.075 million second-year service minimums in 2026.”
Tillman has 64 total tackles and 9.0 sacks for the Broncos over the past two seasons.
“I’m told it’s a “no-brainer” #Broncos plan to tender exclusive rights free agent OLB Dondrea Tillman,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted. He isn’t expected to sign his one-year, $1.075 million tender until he’s back in Denver in April in preparation for spring drills.”
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel essentially said the same thing about Key and Tillman being easy decisions.
Colleague Luca Evans and DNVR’s Zac Stevens echoed those sentiments.
Key, a former undrafted free agent who has also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs, finished the 2025 season with 28 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection while getting most of his playing time on special teams.
He played in all 17 games this past season.
Broncos Tender Former Service Academy Member, Ex-Ravens Draft Pick
GettyTyler Badie #28 of the Denver Broncos returns a kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos were not done reshaping their roster, either, with the official start of the offseason on March 11 and even the legal tampering period on March 9.
“Per source, #Broncos have agreements with exclusive rights free agent RB Tyler Badie and DL Jordan Jackson,” Klis said in the second report, adding that “They join Devon Key and Dondrea Tillman as done ERFA agreements.”
Klis then added that “Badie and Jackson to receive second-year-service minimum of $1.075m each.”
Jackson was the 194th overall pick of the 2022 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
A former standout at Air Force, he has played in 22 games for the Broncos over the past two seasons. He initially signed with Denver on a futures contract in 2023. He has 24 combined stops, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble during his tenure.
Badie was the No. 196 pick in that same class, going to the Ravens. The Ravens waived and re-signed the tailback to their practice squad as a rookie.
The Broncos claimed Badie off Baltimore’s practice squad that year.
He has rushed for 109 yards on 20 carries, adding 163 yards and 1 TD on 23 receptions in his career. Badie has played in 20 games for the Broncos during his time in Denver, all off the bench.
Broncos Prepared to Cut Ties With Former ‘Joker’ Candidate
GettyLucas Krull #85 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Indianapolis Colts.
Not every Broncos roster move was a player returning, though. Tight end Lucas Krull, yet another former UDFA, did not receive a tender.
“Source said #Broncos are not going to tender restricted free-agent tight end Lucas Krull, so he’s in line to be an unrestricted free agent next Wednesday,” Tomasson said in a separate post. “The low tender for right of first refusal is $3.52 million for a one-year deal.”
Tomasson added that “It remains to be seen if Lucas Krull could return to the #Broncos. He will test the market when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.”
The Broncos’ other offseason moves at the position will also impact Krull’s potential return.
Krull began his career with the Saints. He was one of several players whom the Broncos hoped would assume the joker role in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. Krull’s Broncos career appears destined to end with a 29-262-1 line on 41 targets.
He played in 23 games with seven starts. The Broncos are still searching for a joker on their roster or, more likely, in the draft or free agency.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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