AVANDATIMES.COM – The Denver Broncos have adopted an unusual approach to the current NFL free agency period, opting to retain a significant portion of their own roster rather than extensively pursuing outside talent. This strategy has left only three veteran players from their initial pool of free agents—interior offensive lineman Sam Mustipher, tight end Marcedes Lewis, and fullback Michael Burton—still without new contracts as of Sunday, March 15, 2026.

The team began the offseason with 21 players poised to enter the open market. In a move described by some observers as unprecedented, the Broncos successfully re-signed 16 of these individuals. Additionally, they secured cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian by placing a second-round tender on the restricted free agent. Only two players, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and safety P.J. Locke, chose to sign with other organizations.

Broncos Prioritize Familiarity Amidst Roster Building

This aggressive retention strategy stands in contrast to typical NFL free agency trends, where teams often seek to bolster their rosters with external veteran talent, cost-effective newcomers, or draft picks. The Broncos’ current roster stands at approximately 75 players under contract, moving towards the 90-man offseason limit.

Many of the re-signings, with the notable exceptions of tight end Adam Trautman, running back J.K. Dobbins, and linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, do not guarantee a spot on the final 53-man roster. These lower-tier agreements suggest a preference for “cheap familiarity over cheap newcomers,” indicating that many could still be released later in the offseason.

Uncertain Futures for Remaining Veterans

The three remaining unsigned veterans each face distinct challenges in securing a return to Denver.

Michael Burton: A Fullback’s Diminishing Chances

Michael Burton served as the Broncos’ primary fullback in both the 2023 and 2025 seasons before an injury sidelined him last year. The team has since re-signed Adam Prentice, a more economical option, who stepped into the role after Burton’s injury. While a healthy Burton could potentially compete with Prentice, his probability of re-signing is considered to be less than 10%.

Marcedes Lewis: Age and Role Limitations

At over 40 years old, veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis has expressed a desire to continue playing. He was initially brought in by the Broncos as a blocking tight end during the season when the position group was hit by injuries. Lewis played 81 offensive snaps across five games, splitting time between the active roster and the practice squad. Given his age and specific role, AvandaTimes notes that Lewis is likely to remain on the market well into the season.

Sam Mustipher: Depth Chart Challenges

Interior offensive lineman Sam Mustipher joined the Broncos when Luke Wattenberg suffered an injury in December. Mustipher saw limited action, playing 20 snaps across the season finale and a divisional playoff game. With Alex Forsyth already under contract and Wattenberg having received an extension, the Broncos appear to have sufficient depth at backup center, reducing the need for another veteran in Mustipher.

The collective outlook for these three veterans is bleak, as they have largely been replaced by other players or internal extensions. The Broncos’ decision to retain such a high number of their own free agents is a strategy that, while unique, carries inherent risks and is viewed by some as a questionable approach to building a competitive roster.