NFL Power Rankings: Broncos still sitting pretty despite quiet free-agent period

The Denver Broncos have yet to sign a single player from another team in free agency this offseason, opting instead to bring back as many players from last year's team as possible. For a team that nearly went to the Super Bowl, it's hard to argue that. 

But it was also hard to argue that the team didn't need to add some more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and on Tuesday, the team finally did that when it traded for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. 

The Broncos like their team and believe it is a Super Bowl contender. In his latest power rankings, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports agrees. He has the Broncos at No. 4 behind only the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. 

"They didn't get active in free agency, instead focusing on the draft and re-signing their own. But the move to land receiver Jaylen Waddle for picks, including their first-rounder this year, says now is the time", wrote Prisco. 

Earlier this week, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report ranked the top rosters in the league and he has the Broncos at No. 2 behind only the Rams. Here was his analysis:

"Last year, the Denver Broncos fielded a stacked roster, and they made a big splash with a trade that will spice up their offense.

In free agency, the Broncos only lost defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, backup safety P.J. Locke and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played eight games in the previous campaign. So, the front office didn't need to make any major splashes. Second-year pro Sai'vion Jones could see more time on the field following Franklin-Myers' departure.

In 2025, quarterback Bo Nix showcased his clutch gene, leading the league with seven game-winning drives. Assuming he fully recovers from a broken ankle, look for him to make more strides throwing to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle while he's behind arguably the NFL's best offensive line that features All-Pros Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz.

Meanwhile, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen will spearhead a defensive unit that registered a league-leading 68 sacks last season. All-Pros Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga have meshed well as field generals in the secondary.

The Broncos have a high-end receiver duo with Courtland Sutton and Waddle and the best collection of talent on both sides of the line of scrimmage."

While many Broncos fans have been quite vocal and critical about the team's lack of movement in free agency so far, the acquisition of Waddle changes most of that. The Broncos felt they had the best team in the league last year and they almost certainly would have been in the Super Bowl with a healthy Bo Nix. 

HOT READ: Broncos' updated list of 2026 draft picks following trade for Jaylen Waddle

Very confidently, this front office seems to be telling the league that it feels it has the best team right now as well. As you can see, many analysts agree. 

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