Broncos still have huge need despite entire offense returning for 2026

The Denver Broncos came into the 2026 offseason with a few clear needs on both sides of the ball. Off-ball linebacker and interior defensive line were two major areas of need defensively, with safety depth another area that could be addressed.

But, on offense, the Broncos needed help at running back, tight end, and wide receiver. After the first week of free agency, the Broncos addressed their offense, bringing back every player who touched the ball last season for them in free agency.

However, despite the entire offense returning, the Broncos' biggest need is still on offense. As Nick Kosmider of The Athletic writes, the Broncos' biggest need is a playmaker on offense, something that's still absent despite bringing everyone back from 2025.

Broncos re-sign key offensive players, still have need on offense

"They have brought back every offensive player who had a touch last season and re-signed both of their primary starters at linebacker last season (Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad)," Kosmider writes. "... Still, the Broncos could use another playmaker."

Starting at running back, RJ Harvey is heading into year two, while J.K. Dobbins was re-signed on a two-year deal, and Jaleel McLaughlin is back for one more season.

Tight end is the same as well, with Evan Engram still locked in, and Adam Trautman extended, and Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull, along with Caleb Lohner, under contract for at least the 2026 season.

Lastly, at wide receiver, the Broncos have Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Michael Bandy under contract. Lil'Jordan Humphrey was also re-signed, which means the Broncos' entire WR, TE, and RB rooms from 2025 are still together.

However, the team desperately needs more playmaking ability. While they have a good base for an offense, Kosmider believes that the Broncos need another playmaker at running back, tight end, or wide receiver.

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At running back, there aren't many free agent options left, and the draft is barren. Tight end is not a terrible place for the Broncos to invest in, with Dallas Goedert, David Njoku, and Kenyan Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft as options for Denver.

And at wide receiver, there are still plenty of interesting options in free agency and the NFL Draft. Tyreek Hill, a playmaker who might miss a large chunk of the 2026 regular season, would not be a terrible option for the Broncos.

The Broncos won't need him right away with a solid WR room, and Hill would be joining a Super Bowl contender that needs his services.

Either way, the Broncos need RB, WR, and/or TE, even though they brought back everyone from last season.

It might not be the most pressing need for a team around the NFL, but if the Broncos want to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl, adding a playmaker this offseason seems to be the only thing missing from their offense.

More Broncos news:

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• J.K. Dobbins to re-sign with Broncos on two-year deal
• John Franklin-Myers to sign with Titans on $63 million contract
• Patriots to sign Romeo Doubs amid interest from Broncos in Packers WR
• P.J. Locke to sign with Cowboys leaving Broncos’ safety depth a question mark