Despite a first-round playoff exit, the Denver Broncos can be optimistic about their 2024 season. Transitioning from Russell Wilson to rookie QB Bo Nix led to their first playoff appearance since 2015. Nix’s promising start, along with standout cornerback Pat Surtain II, who won Defensive Player of the Year, gives hope for the future.
The team is also excited about young talents like Marvin Mims, Audric Estime, and Troy Franklin. With a 10-7 finish, the Broncos are eyeing a potential title run in 2025, though an offseason of changes, including tough roster cuts, lies ahead.
RB Jaleel McLaughlin
After Bo Nix settled in, the Broncos’ biggest offensive weakness became their running game. Javonte Williams, the starting back, struggled with just 513 rushing yards, and Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie all had chances but failed to impress. Denver likely aims for a new backfield in 2025, with Williams heading to free agency after three disappointing seasons.
McLaughlin, who regressed in his second year, posted just a 4.4-yard average after a strong rookie year. With his cheap contract, McLaughlin’s future with the team is uncertain, especially if the Broncos make improvements at running back this offseason. He could be a roster cut in the fall.
DE John Franklin-Myers
John Franklin-Myers had the best season of his career in 2024, recording a career-high seven sacks in his first year with the Broncos. While impressive for a power-rushing defensive end, pass-rushing isn’t a major need for the team going into the 2025 offseason. Franklin-Myers’ seven sacks ranked fourth on the team, behind Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen.
Although not a primary pass-rusher, Franklin-Myers’ contract could make him a cut candidate. Set to earn $7.5 million in 2025, he’s not a high cap hit, but with the Broncos’ surplus of pass-rushers, his skills might not be as valued in Denver. Since they only gave up a sixth-round pick to acquire him, cutting him wouldn’t be a significant loss. However, after his successful 2024 season, he’s unlikely to be cut unless the Broncos need cap space.
TE Adam Trautman
As the Broncos focus on developing Bo Nix, they are expected to prioritize improving their pass-catching group in the 2025 offseason. Most key players, including Courtland Sutton, Adam Trautman, Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin, will return. Sutton had another strong season with over 1,000 yards.
Despite the returning talent, tight end was a significant weakness in 2024. Greg Dulcich, a former third-round pick, quickly fell out of the rotation, and Payton experimented with Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull. Trautman eventually became the starter but only posted 188 receiving yards. Known more as a blocker, Trautman didn’t elevate the receiving game, and with Nix’s success at tight end-friendly schools, the Broncos may seek an upgrade at the position.
Given his $7.5 million contract, Trautman’s spot on the roster could be in jeopardy, especially after Dulcich’s midseason release. With Adkins the only other tight end under contract, Trautman could be a cut candidate in the 2025 offseason.
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