“I’m excited,” the quarterback said to the press. “I think preseason’s always a great time to get back out there and get your feet wet a little bit and see defenses in a live situation before the first [regular-season] game.”

Will No. 10 be on the field against the Atlanta Falcons? Payton keeps it a mystery: “We haven’t gone through the role yet,” the head coach said, via Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. “I’ll let you know when we go through the roles.”

What preseason games do the Broncos have?

The Denver Broncos’ 2026 NFL preseason lineup kicks off on Friday, August 14, with a road game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Following their opener, the Broncos return to Empower Field at Mile High for two consecutive home games to close out their tune-up slate: hosting the Green Bay Packers on Friday, August 21, and taking on the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, August 28.

Denver wants to improve on its 2025 campaign

Heading into the 2026 season, the Broncos will look to build upon a remarkable 2025 campaign where they finished 14–3 to win the AFC West. While Denver boasted an elite defense that allowed just 18.3 points per game (3rd in the NFL), the team seeks greater efficiency from an offense that averaged 23.6 points (14th in the league) and produced 5,825 total yards.

Starting quarterback Bo Nix delivered a strong effort, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with an 87.8 passer rating (along with 356 rushing yards and 5 rushing scores), but the offense stalled at the worst possible moment.

After defeating the Buffalo Bills 33–30 in the Divisional Round, Denver’s Super Bowl pursuit came to an agonizing end with a 10–7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, making offensive consistency and finishing drives in the postseason the top priority for 2026.

Per Steve Wyche of NFL Network, the Broncos “will explore bringing in free agent Taysom Hill.” It was Sean Payton the one who used and trusted Taysom Hill as a multi-positional player.

Also, given how the season ended for Bo Nix, with a devastating ankle injury, having Hill to take some of the RPOs and short-yardage design runs could tempt Payton to bring him to the team.

Taysom Hill can help anywhere on offense

While many label him as a tight end, the fact is Hill can also play as a quarterback, full back, and running back. He also has some great presence on special teams, blocking kicks or even returning kicks.

Taysom Hill still brings some concerns

Hill is already 35 years old, so his athleticism might be on the decline. That could be a bit of a concern as he relies heavily on his athletic prowess to make plays and be a Swiss-army knife.

Also, Hill has suffered gruesome injuries in recent years, sidelining him for a bit. That, paired with his age, could sway the Broncos away from giving him too many looks, but if someone knows how to use Hill, it’s Sean Payton.

“There’s a ton of little things that we have to clean up, that if we can play how we should play, I mean we want to be the best Broncos defense in history,“ he said during an appearance on the DNVR Broncos podcast.

“This organization has nothing but history in defense. So, to be able to come in day one, it’s our fourth year with (defensive coordinator) V.J. (Vance Joseph) to kind of, let’s get all the wrinkles figured out, which we’re doing right now. That’s what these next few weeks are all about. And I think if we just do the little things better, we will get those turnovers.“

Singleton’s resilience

Alex Singleton’s 2025 campaign with the Denver Broncos was nothing short of an absolute masterclass in resilience. After successfully grinding his way back from a 2024 ACL tear, the veteran linebacker faced an even bigger battle when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in early November.

In a mind-blowing display of mental toughness, Singleton chose to play through the immediate aftermath of the news, suiting up to log nine tackles in a Week 10 win over the Raiders before undergoing surgery the very next morning. His recovery was just as incredible: he missed only a single game, returning to action just 23 days post-operation to help anchor Denver’s defense on a magical run all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Singleton finished the 2025 season with 16 starts, 135 total tackles (including 85 solo stops), a sack, and a Pro Bowl alternate nod. Now completely cancer-free with clean scans, he has turned his whirlwind diagnosis into a platform, openly using his story to champion early screening and preventative health.

Sean Payton’s defense wants to make a statement in Denver

Heading into the next NFL season, Sean Payton is aiming to establish the Denver Broncos as the undisputed premier defense in the league. Last season, Vance Joseph’s defensive unit finished third in modern points allowed (18.3 PPG), second in total yards allowed per game (274.0), and terrorized quarterbacks by leading the league with an incredible 68 team sacks.

To reach an even higher ceiling, Payton will rely heavily on a star-studded defensive spine across all three levels. While Alex Singleton anchors the middle of the field coming off his massive 135-tackle season, the pass rush will be spearheaded by edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who exploded for a career-high 14.0 sacks in 2025.

Up front, DJ Jones will continue to shoulder the dirty work as the primary run-stuffer to free up the linebackers, while the secondary remains locked down by elite shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Bolstering that backend is hard-hitting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who had a stellar debut year in Denver racking up 106 tackles and 11 pass deflections to earn Second-Team All-Pro honors.

“There’s a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June,” Payton said during a press conference on Saturday. “We’re going to be the ones kind of holding back, if you will.” In any case, Payton said Nix will be “clearly full speed” in time for training camp later in the summer.

Nix was a key component of the Broncos success last season. In fact, his absence during the AFC Championship Game might be the reason why Denver wasn’t able to go to the Super Bowl. Payton’s words are very reassuring for Broncos fans.

Bo Nix is a very effective QB

While no one will put Nix as an MVP candidate, he is definitely an effective quarterback with a winning mentality. That’s what Sean Payton likes to have under center, someone who can get things done, and is a mature processor of the game.

Nix led the NFL in passing attempts, completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also led the league in game-winning drives with seven. Clutch at its peak.

The Broncos have bolstered Nix’s weapons

Last year, the Broncos had decent weapons in Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. However, tight end Evan Engram wasn’t as productive as expected and Marvin Mims wasn’t as explosive.

Well, the Broncos took notice and traded for wideout Jaylen Waddle, who will be an instant difference-maker in this offense. They are also likely to give more looks to tight end Adam Trautman. Hence, Nix could be even better this 2026 NFL season.

Mike Garafolo, via his X account, reported the information regarding the Broncos’ invitation for E.J. Warner to participate in this important event. Likewise, the former Fresno State college player also spent time at the Chiefs Kingdom facilities this past weekend.

Kurt Warner’s story has become one of the most iconic moments in NFL history in recent years. Can his son somehow replicate what he accomplished in this new stage of his career?

E.J. Warner’s leap to the NFL

E.J. Warner’s 2025 campaign with Fresno State showcased his high-volume passing ability, as he recorded 2,030 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while maintaining a 54.3 QBR across 10 games. Although he led the Bulldogs to a 7-3 record as a starter and displayed elite efficiency in a bowl win over Miami (OH), his persistent struggle with turnovers—averaging at least 11 interceptions in each of his four collegiate seasons—remains a concern for scouts.

Standing at 6’0″, Warner is often compared to players like Brock Purdy due to his undersized frame and productive output. His experience and nearly 11,000 career passing yards give him a legitimate shot to compete for an NFL roster spot as a developmental prospect or a priority undrafted free agent.

Chiefs and Broncos QB situation

While both franchises have prioritized stability around their starting signal-callers, they have taken vastly different paths in shaping their rooms this offseason. The AFC West landscape shifted recently with the Chiefs parting ways with Jake Haener to trim a crowded unit that now features a high-profile backup and a fresh developmental arm, always lead by Patrick Mahomes.

Meanwhile, in Denver, Sean Payton‘s focus remains on the continued dominance of their third-year franchise cornerstone Bo Nix, supported by a veteran room designed to provide experienced relief if needed.

Kurt Warner’s memorable story

Kurt Warner’s trajectory is often cited as the ultimate “Cinderella story.” After going undrafted and famously stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store to make ends meet, he honed his skills in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.

His breakthrough came in 1999 with the St. Louis Rams, where he led the high-powered offense to a Super Bowl XXXIV title while earning both league and Super Bowl MVP honors. Warner later revitalized his career by leading the Arizona Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2009, eventually finishing his journey with two MVP awards and a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Raiders and Broncos share the AFC West with the Chiefs and Chargers, making it a very competitive division. Payton knows firsthand that Crosby’s move to the AFC North means he won’t have to face him anymore.

Insider Jay Glazer, via his X account, shared a humorous anecdote revealing a curious comment from Payton regarding the pass rusher’s move to the Ravens. Payton jokingly offered to pay for Crosby’s flight just so he wouldn’t have to see him in the AFC West anymore.

“Sean Payton called me soooo fired up the Raiders traded Maxx Crosby and even just texted Maxx saying he’s offering to pay a private plane one-way flight to Baltimore, happy to see him out of the division. Funny. But also added, ‘You are an inspiration to watch and compete against.’ Payton has long raved about how Maxx never slows down during games.”

AFC North adds another elite pass rusher

The AFC North has officially become a gauntlet for quarterbacks following the blockbuster trade that sent Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. By joining the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and the perennial sack leader TJ Watt in the same division, Crosby rounds out a terrifying trio of elite pass rushers that will haunt the North for years to come.

While every offensive line in the division is now on high alert, no one stands to lose more than Joe Burrow. Facing these three generational wreckers twice a year each means the Bengals’ star will spend a quarter of his season under the most intense pressure in the NFL, turning every divisional matchup into a literal fight for survival.

Payton said the team was “able to (run under center) a few times, but not as much as I’d like.” And he wants to do it more often this next year. “That’ll be an important study, and with urgency,” Payton said.

Denver’s 64.9% under-center run rate was high enough to crack the NFL’s top ten, but it paled in comparison to the Rams, who led the league with a dominant 87.3%, according to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. Doing this would make running back RJ Harvey a name to watch for next season.

How was RJ Harvey in his rookie year?

RJ Harvey was a highly-touted rookie and while he had great moments, he didn’t live up to all expectations. Harvey had 146 rushes, for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also used on the receiving department, though. Harvey had 47 catches for 356 yards and five touchdowns. Hence, while he didn’t get to 1,000 scrimmage yards, he still had 12 touchdowns.

If the Broncos really made the change, it would benefit Harvey. If Sean Payton leans into more tight-end usage and under-center looks, it could provide the spark Harvey needs to bounce back from last year’s underwhelming 3.7 yards per carry he had.

There’s also another RB that could feature for the Broncos

Before Harvey took control of the backfield, NFL veteran JK Dobbins was incredibly effective. However, he suffered a season-ending injury. Dobbins had 772 yards in nine starts. Dobbins is now a free agent.

However, he has stated he would like to come back to the team. Dobbins will still weigh his options. What’s certain is that the Broncos will change their running style and Sean Payton is a very good play designer, so the Broncos could have a much more dynamic style next season.

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos announced the departure of Keary Colbert, their wide receivers coach. His unit ranked among the worst in the league in 2025, and he has since joined the Baltimore Ravens.

With the position open, Sean Payton turned to a familiar face. Denver has hired Ronald Curry as its new wide receivers coach, aiming to bolster Bo Nix’s offense ahead of the upcoming season.

The Broncos need a more reliable wide receivers corps

During the 2025 NFL season, the Broncos were rumored to be exploring options to add another wide receiver. They reportedly attempted to trade for the Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle, but the asking price proved too steep.

Despite not landing Waddle, Denver still reached the AFC Championship Game with its existing receiving group. However, as the season concluded, it became clear that Bo Nix needs more consistent weapons at his disposal.

Whether through external additions or internal development, improvement is necessary. The Broncos’ receiving unit ranked among the league’s worst in dropped passes in 2025 — a concerning statistic for a quarterback who showed significant growth despite inconsistent support.

Ronald Curry is expected to help change that narrative. The former wide receiver spent the past two seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Buffalo Bills, working closely with Josh Allen during a very solid stretch of his career.

Curry previously served as wide receivers coach under Sean Payton in New Orleans from 2018 to 2020. Now, he faces the challenge of building a more dependable receiving corps in Denver — one capable of elevating Bo Nix and helping the Broncos compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.

According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the Broncos have interviewed Davis Webb for the OC job. Webb is actually the pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Denver. Per Tomasson, Webb is the “leading candidate” to get the position.

He is the third candidate to be interviewed after Ronald Curry and Brian Johnson. Webb was one of the names that popped up during this year’s coaching carousel. He is seen as one of the most brilliant, young, innovative minds in football.

Webb has to live up to his potential

Being an OC in the NFL is no easy job, although having Sean Payton as your mentor will surely help out. Webb was getting head coaching interviews, including the Bills. That’s how good of an image he is forming within the NFL confines. Now, if he gets the promotion, he will have to deliver.

The playcalling duties are Sean Payton‘s, however, Webb should be heavily involved in the game planning and scouting weaknesses in opponents defenses. Webb is a former NFL quarterback, and he quickly became a coaching prodigy after his retirement. The 31-year-old played two years in the NFL but had plenty of seasons on the Bills and Giants’ practice squads.

The Broncos also got an update on the DC job

Much was said about the future of the team’s defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph. However, after the HC landscape has just one vacancy on the Raiders, and it seems to be Klint Kubiak’s future job, Vance Joseph will be returning as the Broncos DC.

Under Joseph, the Broncos defense ranked second in total yards and rushing yards allowed, seventh in passing yards allowed, and the third-best scoring defense in the NFL. Having Joseph back is a huge win for the Broncos on their quest to go back to the AFC Championship Game.

In an extremely tight game affected by weather conditions, when the Broncos had a chance to take a 10–0 lead with a potential field goal, the seasoned coach decided to go for it on fourth down—a move that ultimately didn’t turn out in their favor.

“I don’t know which is the greater regret, the decision — certainly the play call,” Payton said via nbcspots.com. “We used a timeout. Probably what irks me more is the call, more than the decision.”

That specific play put the coach at the center of criticism, something he eventually said didn’t bother him—although it’s clear he would have preferred to make a different decision than the one he ultimately did.

“There are those moments you wish you had back,” Payton also added. “I don’t pay attention to all the criticism. If I paid attention to that, I don’t know that we’d ever be in this position.”

Will Sean Payton return to the Broncos next season?

Sean Payton signed a five-year contract with the Denver Broncos in February 2023, a deal reportedly worth between $17 million and $20 million per year, which currently keeps him tied to the franchise through the 2027 season.

Given the team’s impressive performance during the 2025 campaign—where they secured a 14–3 record, the AFC West title, and a spot in the AFC Championship Game—his position as head coach is extremely secure.

Both Payton and General Manager George Paton have already begun outlining plans for the 2026 season, focusing on aggressive free agency moves and the further development of young quarterback Bo Nix. Consequently, there is no doubt that Payton will continue to lead the team next year as they look to build on their recent postseason success.

After the Broncos’ win over the Bills, it was confirmed that Nix suffered a fracture in one of his ankles. The injury required surgery, and according to insider Adam Schefter on X, the QB will be sidelined for at least 12 weeks.

With this news confirmed, any miraculous theories suggesting that Nix might still be able to play in a potential Super Bowl if his team defeats the Patriots today at Empower Field at Mile High are now dashed.

Full confidence in Stidham

Bo Nix’s significant setback left many in the Broncos’ facilities stunned. However, Sean Payton, a seasoned veteran of the league, has full confidence in what Jarrett Stidham can bring to the team.

“I’m not worried about Stiddy in this game,” the experienced head coach Sean Payton told reporters Friday via ESPN.com. “I’m worried about everyone else and how we play. That really is the truth.”

One step away from the goal

The Denver Broncos will face the New England Patriots today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff for this AFC Championship thriller is set for 1:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET), with Colorado’s own Nathaniel Rateliff scheduled to perform a powerful rendition of the national anthem just before the action begins.