Over the last several months, the Broncos have extended three of their 2021 draft picks, locking away some of the league's top players at their positions while doing so. With a projected 2025 cap space of over $50 million, Denver may finally begin to open up the checkbook for more talent. Until then, they currently have more homegrown talent, which I am eager to see locked down.

• Quinn Meinerz: Signed a four-year, $72 million extension in July 2024.

• Patrick Surtain II: Signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension in September 2024.

• Jonathon Cooper: Signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension in November 2024.

Pieces To Secure Going Forward

Justin Strnad LB (2025 UFA): Since being unexpectedly catapulted into the starting role in week four, Strnad has ranked at the top of the league in run defense grade and run stop percentage. While these stats may seem obscure to some, they jump out on tape as well. His ability to diagnose plays immediately, paired with his playmaking ability near the line of scrimmage, is exactly what VJ’s scheme needs inside. (Cody Barton enters 2025 with the same free-agent status but may very well carry a larger price tag).

Ja’Quan McMillan, CB (2025 ERFA): One of the better slot corners in the league, McMillan is an integral part of the Broncos scheme. Through the first eleven weeks, he has more snaps from the slot than any other corner, and playing inside of Surtain leaves him left to defend plenty of passes. (His status offers the Broncos exclusive rights during the off-season).

Riley Dixon P (2025 UFA): Dixon has been a sniper this season, pinning opposing offenses inside their own 20 on almost 40% of his attempts. With the help of Dixons lethal accuracy, the Broncos are 3rd in opponent starting field position & allowing the 4th fewest yards per drive. The Broncos defense has allowed the 4th lowest percentage of opponent-scoring drives. They are one of two teams to rank inside the top five in both these categories. ( Steelers)

Nik Bonitto OLB (2026 UFA): The Broncos sack leader through eleven weeks and fifth in the NFL amongst edge rushers. Bonitto overwhelms the opposing lineman with his elite speed off the edge, which pairs perfectly with Allen's interior penetration. Tying Von Miller's team record of consecutive games with a sack (6), it is fair to say Bonitto may be the next edge rusher Denver secures. The duo of him and Cooper has been deadly so far this season, and I look forward to them continuing to add a spark. Barring another breakout season in 2025, I could see the Broncos opting to wait till the final minute to extend him.

Honorable Mention

Tremon Smith ST (2025 UFA): Dixon's right-hand man, if you will, a veteran playmaker on special teams: Smith has shined brightly as a gunner on the punt team. In terms of who Denver could put out there, his age is certainly a factor, but he doesn’t appear to have lost a step. He would be affordable at best, so despite a stellar season on special teams, I expect to let him walk and that role become Devon Keys.

Up In The Air

Garett Bolles, LT (2025 UFA): Bolles isn’t getting any younger, but his play hasn’t been quite indicative of that so far. While Bo’s escapability has definitely had a positive impact on his game. He currently sits as the 5th highest-graded pass-blocking tackle in the league, according to PFF, and has only allowed one sack through ten games. He has picked up eight penalties along the way, but I don’t see us rolling a rookie tackle out there to protect Nix either way. Bring Bolles back for another season and draft his replacement.

D.J. Jones, DT (2025 UFA): Since signing with Denver in 2022, Jones has offered sufficient help as a run-stopper with minimal help as a pass rusher. I do like the current rotation of Roach and Jones around Allen; they are both big bodies who can dissuade double teams. There are certainly younger options the Broncos could look to, but Jones has stayed available for them. Interior DL is a shallow spot on the Broncos roster, so whether they keep Jones or not, I expect them to make a pick or move through free agency.