Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in Bo Nix’s rookie season, finishing with a record of 10-7 and making the playoffs. The team recovered well after parting ways with Russell Wilson despite taking a significant dead cap hit. Payton and Co. are now looking to take the next step.
The Broncos are projected to have $30+ million in cap space next season and can improve various areas on their roster. Payton recently appeared on “The Up & Adams Show” and shared insight on what the franchise might look to do in the offseason.
Sean Payton Sheds Light on Broncos’ Plan for Next Season
Payton is quite confident about his team’s chances in 2025 and is impressed by the quality of players they already have on their roster.
“We’re gonna be a problem,” Payton said. “We had a good rookie class. We do the evaluation of our team, and the purpose of that is then to establish what we call ‘must,’ ‘needs,’ and ‘wants.’ We need a joker. A joker now can be a tight end or running back that is exceptional. We were spoiled here [New Orleans Saints] when you think about it.”
Payton mentioned that while he coached the Saints, he had players like Reggie Bush, Jimmy Graham, Jeremy Shockey, Darren Sproles, and Alvin Kamara who were difference-makers.
The Broncos head coach put these players into the category of “jokers” as they can help the offense in various ways. Payton mentioned since the teams around the league play with two-high safety defenses, they need similar types of players to make an impact.
Broncos HC Sean Payton on his team NEEDS this offseason 🤔👇@heykayadams @SeanPayton @Broncos | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/mZlmjyxLFP
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 5, 2025
Kay Adams asked Payton about his stance on adding a veteran wideout to the team, which could further help their young quarterback.
“I think a better wide receiver fits in a need,” Payton added. “I would say we’re stronger there than some would think… there’s a number of receivers that we drafted a year ago. We’ll look closely through the middle, inside, linebacker, and safety. There will be a few other positions.”
The Broncos have these notable wide receivers under contract for next season:
- Courtland Sutton
- Troy Franklin
- Marvin Mims
- Devaughn Vele
Since Payton hinted that he is happy with the team’s current receivers, the Broncos are unlikely to make a big free agent signing at the position. They could draft another wideout who can develop alongside Franklin and Vele.
Denver will take $32 million in dead cap hit next season due to Wilson’s release, and next year, the team will have a lot to spend and could make a big free agent signing.
Nix made the most of what the team gave him, and he should only get better. In 17 games, he threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing 66.3% of his throws. The Oregon product also rushed for 430 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Nix being a dual-threat quarterback gives Payton more options to expand the offense and allows the team to invest in other positions. The Broncos had the third-best scoring defense in the league, allowing 18.3 points per game, yet Payton emphasized improving at the safety and linebacker position.
Having one of the best defenses in the league takes the pressure off Nix, and running back is still a position the Broncos would like to improve on. Fortunately for them, the upcoming draft is filled with great players at the position.