Getty
Michael Bandy #83 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
The Denver Broncos are expected to make some key changes to their roster this offseason, and the groundwork for the most extended transaction window in the NFL has already begun, with their latest move securing the services of a trusted veteran playmaker.
There will be splashier moves to come, but those made at this point of the pre-offseason NFL calendar can also be quite telling.
That is the case in at least one sense for Michael Bandy.
Broncos Move on Ex-Charger Michael Bandy
GettyMichael Bandy #83 of the Denver Broncos takes the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bandy, 28, is a familiar face, having spent the past three seasons with the Broncos, making it into regular-season game action in 2023 and 2025. He spent the 2024 season on the team’s practice squad.
“Broncos have re-signed WR Michael Bandy,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported in a post on X on February 18.
Teams can only sign their own players or those who were cut before the season ended.
With so many changes likely coming this offseason, many of their with much more significant ramifications, a low-risk decision like bringing Bandy back could pay off for the Broncos.
It did this past season, as they navigated injuries to second-year player Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant. Bandy finished the season with four receptions, 50 yards, and 1 touchdown. He did not play in the Broncos’ two postseason games.
The Broncos could still add to their WR room this offseason.
However, bringing Bandy back behind Bryant, Franklin, WR1 Courtland Sutton, and postseason star Marvin Mims prevents them from overextending themselves to do so.
Michael Bandy Turned Heads During Regular Season
GettyMichael Bandy #83 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammate Troy Franklin #11 after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Bandy began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he also spent time in the United Football League. The UFL also celebrated Bandy scoring his first NFL TD, a moment that caused a stir for many reasons.
Most notably, Bandy’s journey stood out.
“Broncos WR Michael Bandy has been released a dozen times, including at the end of training camp five years in a row,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X in December, following the veteran’s score against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. “Today, he scored his first NFL touchdown.”
Pelissero shared a clip of the scoring play from the NFL. Sutton and quarterback Bo Nix both drew attention for celebrating the feat.
Nix and Bandy showed early on-field chemistry during the 2024 season, too.
Broncos WR Room in Focus
GettyCourtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos speaks to the media before the AFC Pro Bowl practice.
The Broncos surely hope they do not need to lean on Bandy. That would most likely mean one or more injuries to key players ahead of him on the depth chart.
Sutton will remain Nix’s top target on the perimeter. It remains to be seen if any of Bryant, Franklin, or Mims did enough to convince the Broncos they should focus on other areas of the roster.
Bandy is unlikely to change that on his own.
Still, potentially having an option like him on the roster can alleviate some concerns on a short-term basis for the Broncos. It certainly gives him some security heading into the 2026 offseason.
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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