It’s Friday and the weekend is here. It’s a big weekend in football as rumors will be flying all over the place and come Monday when legal tampering opens there will be a flurry of massive deals signed across the league. Will the Denver Broncos be part of that mayhem? I sure hope so.
We began with the offensive needs in free agency, then talked about defensive needs. Now we’re here for the fun part of who we think the Broncos should absolutely target next week in free agency.
Who should the Broncos target in FA?
Tim Lynch: As a Kenneth Walker III enjoyer in fantasy (without the touchdowns, of course), I’m all in on giving him a top contract. The running back position is making a comeback in value in the NFL and I’m all for getting a guy in his prime who has dominated when touching the ball.
I think we saw how much RJ Harvey needs to have an every down back out there to maximize his big-play threat ability. Walker would give Denver exactly what they need in the run game with JK Dobbins heading to free agency.
Christopher Hart: A few weeks ago, I wrote about three free agents I want the Broncos to pursue. Travis Etienne, Cade Otton, and Kaden Ellis. Etienne and Otton immediately give the Broncos significant upgrades at running back and tight end. Those guys would be huge for Denver’s offensive endeavors in 2026.
On defense, I had mentioned linebacker Ellis, a green dot linebacker for the Falcons, was a former draft pick of Sean Payton’s in New Orleans. He’s also a great blitzer and pressure player. I think he’s a good fit for Vance Joseph’s defense. Landing him would be a big addition to the squad.
Scotty Payne: I wanted Breece Hall, and so did the Broncos but the Jets are retaining top talent despite trying to tank. Make that make sense.
Kenneth Walker seems like the top get followed by Etienne, Allgeier, Brian Robinson, and JK Dobbins.
After that? A TE like Isaiah Likely, Goedert, Cade Otton, and so on.
LB Devin Lloyd would a top candidate for me but there hasn’t been much connection there as of yet.
Ross Allen: If we feel good about the injury history of Kenneth Walker III, I’m absolutely sold on him. Just the thought of a Walker/ Harvey combo makes me incredibly excited. We’ll see if they can make that happen.
Outside of a splash signing, getting guys like Jonnu Smith or Dallas Goedert to meet a TE need would be nice. Jalen Thompson would be nice at the safety spot. And then for LB, Devin Lloyd and Logan Wilson jump to mind.
Sadaraine: With Breece Hall out of the picture, I’m all in on signing Travis Etienne. He would instantly legitimize the running game for the Broncos in a big way. I think his power and playmaking ability would translate to four or more wins in 2026.
Ian St. Clair: The style of runner that Walker is would be fun in the Broncos offense. He would be great a fit for this offensive line and how it likes to overpower opposing defenses. Add him in the backfield with Harvey, who brings the versatility as a receiving threat, and Denver has the makings of a really good running back duo.
Adam Malnati: Kenneth Walker is going to cost a lot. Maybe if he hadn’t won the Super Bowl MVP, it would have been a different story, but the over pay is coming for him. I like Travis Etienne. I like Tyler Allgeier. Cade Otton was mentioned in here already, but I’d second that
There is a slight consensus around Kenneth Walker, but plenty of other names were mentioned — even at running back. I think the Broncos make one or two big splashes, maybe even only one. However, I think they’ll be busy in the following weeks to pick up some guys that they are high on who may come in at a more reasonable contract offer.
Where do you stand on this discussion? Give us your top free agents you how to see the Broncos sign next week.
