10 Things We Learned About the Broncos at Owners Meetings

The Denver Broncos' brass has spoken probably for what is likely the last time until the NFL draft at month's end. With the annual NFL owners meetings taking place this week in Phoenix, Arizona, we heard from Broncos co-owner and CEO Greg Penner, GM George Paton, and head coach Sean Payton.

We actually learned quite a lot from the 'Three Ps,' including some context and explanation for the Broncos' unique approach to free agency this offseason. Let's get into the biggest takeaways from the Broncos' comments at the owners meetings.

Payton Was Not Forced to Relinquish Play-Calling

Denver Head Coach Sean Payton and Bo Nix 10 discuss a play with Davis Webb vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. — DENVER, CO - JANUARY 04: Denver Head Coach, Sean Payton and Bo Nix 10 of the Denver Broncos, discuss a play during a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 04, 2026. | Kevin Langley / IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

I've tried telling Broncos fans for two months that nobody was trying to strong-arm Payton into giving up play-calling to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, but the low-rumble of speculation persisted. If anyone could force Payton to do anything, it would be Penner, who said on Monday that it was "100%" the head coach's decision.

"I think Sean always wants to do what's in the best interest of this team and the Broncos organization," Penner said. "He and I obviously talked about it; this was entirely, 100% his decision. And I think he's going to be—again, we have a lot of confidence in Davis, and I think Sean's going to be very supportive of him."

When Penner says "entirely," I take that to mean that passing the play-calling baton to Webb was Payton's idea, too. So let's put this particular rumor to bed.

Broncos Aren't Planning to Trade Any WRs

With Jaylen Waddle coming in, guys like Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Pat Bryant will be pushed down the depth chart, which has begged the question of whether the Broncos might dangle one of them on the trade block. If such a trade were to happen, it would likely be during the NFL draft, but Paton shut down the notion with an emphatic "no" when asked point-blank on Monday.

Franklin would certainly have some value, but the Broncos aren't trying to flip him for a draft pick. They really like their wide receiver room, but regardless of trade rumors, the Broncos have a decision to make soon on Mims's future, as he enters a contract year.

Last thing, if the phone rings at Broncos HQ, Paton will answer and he'll listen. But it sounds like it would take quite the offer to get him to bite on a wide receiver trade. The Broncos want to keep Bo Nix's arsenal strong for Year 3.

Nix Will Be Reay For OTAs

May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nix had surgery on his ankle back in January, and the Broncos expressed confidence then that he'd be good to go by May. Penner updated that timeline, confirming it to be on track, and revealing that Nix is actually ahead of schedule.

“He’s ahead of schedule,’’ Paton told 9NEWS' Mike Klis. “He’s running, he’s jumping. Really proud of how he’s attacked rehab. He’s done a great job. He’ll be ready for OTAs.’’

Nix is doing well, and he's a new father, too, as he and his wife recently welcomed the birth of their first child back in February (on Bo's birthday, no less). Considering how close he got to the Super Bowl, this brand-new girl dad is going to be champing at the bit to lead the Broncos back to the big stage.

Broncos Likely Aren't Done at RB

Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

It may surprise some fans, but J.K. Dobbins was a top priority for the Broncos in free agency. That was reflected in the 4x raise he garnered.

But considering Dobbins's injury history, the Broncos need an insurance policy beyond RJ Harvey. Paton confirmed that Denver will be scouting the draft for a potential running back addition.

"We are going to be looking in the draft, and we are going to be looking after the draft,"Paton said on Monday. "We are always looking. We didn’t sign J.K. until like May or June last year. We feel good with where we are at right now."

The Broncos will have some options in Rounds 2 and 4, with the No. 62 and No. 111 overall picks, respectively. Keep an eye on Notre Dame's Jadarian Price, Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr., and Washington's Jonah Coleman as the draft unfolds.

Confidence In the Post-JFM D-Line Plan

Jordan Jackson, Eyioma Uwazurike, and Sai'vion Jones — Aug 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jordan Jackson (94) and defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) and defensive end Sai'vion Jones (95) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

John Franklin-Myers walked out the door, signing with the Tennessee Titans, and taking his 14.5 sacks over the past two years with him. The Broncos have not signed a replacement, in part, because they don't want to lose the fourth-round compensatory pick they expect to get next year for Franklin-Myers, and because of their confidence in their defensive line depth.

Eyioma Uwazurike and Sai'vion Jones will get the chance to compete for Franklin-Myers's spot.

“Just going into it, we feel pretty good," Paton said. "We have Sai’vion, and we have our four guys coming back. Our starters, and then ‘Enny’ (Uwazurike) really came on, and then Sai’vion and Jordan Jackson. We have pretty good depth, but you are always looking for big guys on the offensive and defensive lines.”

Be that as it may, I wouldn't preclude the Broncos from drafting a defensive lineman. Former Payton first-round pick in New Orleans, Cameron Jordan, is still out there, too, and the Broncos could approach him after the draft without having to worry about it offseting the JFM comp pick.

Jonah Elliss to Garner Some ILB Snaps

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) before a Christmas Day game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs — KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) before a Christmas Day NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. | Scott Winters / IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

The Broncos have needs at inside linebacker, from a depth perspective, and they want to get Elliss more involved on defense. Payton revealed that the plan is to give Elliss snaps at inside linebacker this summer.

"You’re going to see Elliss take some snaps inside," Payton said. "That is something that we have discussed relative to our depth at the edge. Then we will see where that goes during the draft."

The Broncos will also consider draft options, but Elliss could be an intriguing option, especially after hearing what All-Pro rush linebacker Nik Bonitto said about him on X.

"Most versatile player in football," Bonitto posted. "I have no doubt he will make plays no matter where he is lined up."

Most versatile player in football I have no doubt he will make plays no matter where he is lined up💯 https://t.co/KDeUf3rsJD
— Nik Bonitto (@nikkkkbonitto) April 1, 2026

Adam Trautman Was a Top Priority, Too

Although the fans and media struggle to see it, the Broncos love Trautman. Payton explained why the Broncos prioritized Trautman before the "legal-tampering" window even opened.

“You know exactly what you’re getting in the player," Payton said of Trautman. "Look, if we want to run the ball well, he’s one of the better blocking tight ends. He’s really good in pass protection. We evaluate every ounce of the tape. I’d be leery of someone that grabs three clips. We know exactly what Adam is. That was just going to take time to see where the market value went. So I’m glad he’s back.”

File this one under "In Payton We Trust." Otherwise, it's never going to make sense. But kudos to Trautman for getting a three-year extension and a hefty raise that'll pay him just shy of $6 million per year.

Broncos' Free-Agency Approach Informed by Nix's Contract Clock

Sean Payton and Bo Nix — DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 21: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix (10) have a word before a game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. | Dustin Bradford / Icon Sportswire / Imago

The Broncos are fully aware that their budding franchise quarterback will only come cheap on the cap for another two years max. That's knowledge informed their offseason vision to "run it back" (although Payton hates that term).

Considering how close they got to the Super Bowl last season, the Broncos wanted to play the free-agent percentages this time around, and err on the side of the personnel they knew already fit and could meet the expectations.

"I think in fairness, and I recognize that everyone would say, ‘Hey, you have Bo on his rookie deal.’ Well, no kidding, but just do the research," Payton said. "You go back in that first week of free agency and if you are batting .380 or .395, it’s about where the numbers lie. If you went back five years from now… Just go backwards and said, ‘Would they do it again?’"

The Broncos still have $18 million in cap space and seven selections in the draft war chest, so this team isn't done building the nest around Nix. Obviously, though, the Broncos' controversial offseason maneuvers (or lack thereof) signaled one thing clearly: they're uber-confident in their young quarterback.

The Broncos didn't find it necessary to make wholesale changes to the roster. That should encourage Broncos Country, even if it robbed fans of one of the few offseason opportunities for football entertainment and conversation (free agency signings).

But, hey, the Broncos did make one of the blockbuster moves of 2026 by acquiring Waddle via trade; another explosive weapon for Nix's arsenal.

Preferred New Stadium Site Still on Track for 2031

Burnham Yard in Denver, CO, soon to be the site of the Denver Broncos' new world-class stadium. | Denver Broncos

Burnham Yard, the Broncos' "preferred" site for their new stadium and one-stop fan destination, is still on track for the team's goal of opening in 2031. There are many dominoes that still have to fall in the right order, but Penner remains confident in the plan.

“The support has been good, and everybody wants to do the right thing," Penner said. "There are a lot of different parties with different interests. As of right now, we are on track. It is ambitious to get to the 2031 goal that we have.”

Backup QB Will Be a Competition

Bo Nix, Sam Ehlinger, and Jarrett Stidham — Jul 24, 2025; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) and quarterback Bo Nix (10) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during Denver Broncos Training Camp. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Broncos re-signed Sam Ehlinger to a one-year, $2 million deal. He will be given the opportunity to compete with Jarrett Stidham for the Broncos' backup quarterback job behind Nix.

“We see competition… And it wasn’t different last year," Payton said. "There’s nothing that is etched in stone. There just isn’t, and that’s a good thing.”

It would take quite the effort for Ehlinger to unseat Stidham as the Broncos' QB2, but the team really likes the former Indianapolis Colts draft pick. It'll be interesting to see how it shapes up, and while Payton says nothing is "etched in stone," we know that Nix is absolutely this team's QB1.

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