Broncos urged to swipe superstar free agent from Cowboys

The Denver Broncos nearly got to the Super Bowl, being undone in part by the injury to quarterback Bo Nix.

It likely showed their decision makers how good this team can be, though, including in winning the AFC's No. 1 seed.

That sets up a big offseason, one where the Broncos have a chance to make a major statement or two if they want.

Denver is set up nicely with cap space, which makes this definitely a spot where a surprise acquisition could grab some headlines.

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Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker certainly went for the surprise factor with his pitch for the free agent the Broncos need to go after: George Pickens.

Pickens had a career year for the Dallas Cowboys after they traded for him from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now, Pickens is a free agent and Dallas has to decide what to do with him. There's pretty widespread feeling that Pickens will at least get the franchise tag, which would remove this option from the Broncos. But if the Cowboys don't do that, Denver could try and outbid Dallas.

"The Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game on the heels of their elite defense, but their offense remains a bit of a worry going into 2026," Locker writes. "Denver will need to better a unit that ranked 25^th in passing success rate, and a weapon like Pickens would enable exactly that."

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Pickens is certainly the kind of talent that can elevate any passing game.

"Pickens grew immensely in his first season in Dallas, playing to a career-best 87.2 PFF receiving grade with 2.35 yards per route run," Locker writes. "Although the Broncos will return Courtland Sutton, the team finished 26^th in collective receiving grade. Boasting $27 million in cap space before restructures, the Broncos can afford a big-time signing on offense — and there’s none better than Pickens at receiver."

Broncos fans can keep an eye on the rumblings out of Dallas. If Pickens pushes back against the idea of the franchise tag, maybe the Cowboys will go a different route. It would certainly put a huge name on the market if Dallas doesn't just reach its own agreement with the enigmatic wideout.

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