Ja'Quan McMillian
CB DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 12:18 PM

McMillian made 56 tackles (40 solo) including 4.0 sacks, defended nine passes with two interceptions while returning one for a touchdown, playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2025. He added two forced fumbles during the season.
EDGE Analysis
McMillian continued to play a key role in Denver's defensive backfield in 2025, recording two interceptions for the second straight year, a team high this season. The 25-year-old slot cornerback was the only Broncos defender to record an interception return for a touchdown this year. McMillian is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, so the Broncos will have the ability to match any offers he receives ahead of the 2026 season to keep him in Denver. With rookie Jahdae Barron showing some flashes in his rookie season, the Broncos could have a difficult decision to make on McMillian this offseason.

Dre Greenlaw
LB SF (14)
Sun 2/8/26 11:45 AM

Greenlaw recorded 43 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and two passes defensed, including one interception and one forced fumble, across eight regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Greenlaw's first season with the Broncos was an overall disappointment due to quadriceps and hamstring injuries that sidelined him for much of the season. With that said, the 28-year-old linebacker did make an impact when he was on the field, proving to be an excellent addition to the Broncos defense when healthy. The former 49er will look to stay healthy in 2026 and should play a key role in the Broncos' top-tier defense next season.

Malcolm Roach
DE/IL DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 11:02 AM

Roach recorded 41 tackles (15 solo), including 4.0 sacks, across 12 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Roach filled a rotational role as an important part of the Broncos' defensive line in 2025, recording a career-high 4.0 sacks this season. The veteran signed a three-year contract extension in November, keeping him in Denver through 2028. Since joining the Broncos last season, Roach has recorded 84 total tackles (33 solo), 6.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery over 29 regular-season contests. The 27-year-old is likely to continue to make an impact in the 2026 campaign in what was one of the top defensive units in the league in 2025.

Dondrea Tillman
EDR/LB DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 10:53 AM

Tillman recorded 41 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and three passes defensed, including two interceptions, across 17 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Tillman recorded career highs in tackles, interceptions and passes defensed in his second season. The 27-year-old linebacker operated in a depth role behind Nik Bonitto (wrist) at right outside linebacker in 2025. Despite the cap on his playing time, Tillman proved to be a difference maker in Denver's formidable defense. The Indiana University of Pennsylvania product is set to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, so the Broncos can choose to keep him in Denver if they extend a qualifying offer this offseason. If not, Tillman will be able to sign with any team in the league.

OUTDerek Carr
QB FA
Sun 2/8/26 9:55 AM

Carr (shoulder) could consider ending his retirement and returning to the NFL, depending on the "right situation and coaching staff," sources tell Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
EDGE Analysis
According to the report, Carr doesn't appear to be actively pursuing a return to the league after sitting out the 2025 season, though he acknowledged a few months ago that he would "never say never" when it comes to resuming his playing career. After an injury-plagued 2024 campaign in which he dealt with a labral tear of his throwing shoulder as well as a broken left hand and an oblique strain, Carr announced his retirement last May and was placed on the Saints' reserve/retired list. Carr avoided surgery to address the shoulder injury and has since made a full recovery through extended rest and rehab, which has resulted in teams having renewed interest in exploring whether the 34-year-old might want to return to the NFL. The Saints still hold Carr's rights, but with Tyler Shough coming off an impressive rookie season and establishing himself as the team's starting quarterback entering 2026, New Orleans would likely be willing to waive Carr or trade him at a minimal cost if he decides to come out of retirement.

Travis Kelce
TE KC (10)
Sun 2/8/26 9:39 AM

The Chiefs have remained in touch with Kelce during the offseason and are hopeful to re-sign him for the 2026 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
For the second offseason in a row, the 36-year-old tight end is taking some time to ponder his playing future before he comes to a decision on whether to continue his career or head into retirement. If the impending free agent elects to keep playing in 2026, Kelce's preference would almost certainly be to return to Kansas City for a 13th season, and the Chiefs are seemingly willing to keep a roster spot open for him. Though the Chiefs finished a disappointing 6-11 in 2025 and played without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) for their final three contests, Kelce still enjoyed a bounce-back season in terms of efficiency. He played the full 17-game slate and recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns on 108 targets, with his 7.9 yards per target representing a big uptick from his 2024 mark of 6.2.

Eyioma Uwazurike
IL/DT DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 9:21 AM

Uwazurike recorded 39 tackles (16 solo), including 3.5 sacks across 17 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Uwazurike finished his third year with the Broncos, posting career highs in tackles and sacks. The 27-year-old defensive lineman operated as the No. 2 nose tackle behind teammate D.J. Jones, yet the two finished with similar numbers this season. Uwazurike and Jones will likely continue to split duties at the position next season, but with Jones entering his age-31 season, it's possible Uwazurike will take a step forward in 2026 in a contract year.

D.J. Jones
IL/DT DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 9:06 AM

Jones recorded 39 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks and one pass defensed across 16 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Jones' 3.0 sacks this season matched a career high set back in 2020 as a member of the 49ers. The veteran continued to operate as the Broncos' No. 1 nose tackle in 2025, as Denver's defense was once again one of the league's best. Under contract for at least the next two seasons, the 31-year-old Jones should continue to be a strong veteran presence in the Broncos' formidable defensive front in 2026, though fellow defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike could push for even more playing time at nose tackle after a solid season of his own in 2025.

Jahdae Barron
CB DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 8:56 AM

Barron recorded 35 tackles (24 solo), five passes defensed, including one interception, and one fumble recovery across 17 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Barron had a solid first season in Denver, playing in a depth role behind fellow slot cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. The rookie Barron was effective in his opportunities, proving to be an opportunistic playmaker. McMillian is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, and if the Broncos don't bring him back next season, it's possible Barron will see his role expand in 2026. Nonetheless, the 24-year-old Texas product will look to take a step forward and continue to develop heading into his sophomore campaign.

Jonah Elliss
EDR/LB DEN (12)
Sun 2/8/26 8:45 AM

Elliss recorded 28 tackles (16 solo), including 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble in 13 regular-season games with Denver in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
Elliss recorded career lows in tackles, sacks and passes defensed in 2025, as the second-year linebacker played behind Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto at outside linebacker, one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. Nonetheless, Elliss was able to be effective in his limited depth role despite missing games due to shoulder, rib and hamstring injuries. Still on his rookie contract, the Utah product will look to continue his development within the Broncos' imposing pass-rushing unit.