The Denver Broncos‘ defense was one of the top units in the entire NFL in 2025, but there is an expectation to level up in 2026.
Last fall, the Broncos blew all other 31 teams out of the water in pressuring the quarterback, specifically in sacks. Denver finished the 2025 campaign with 68 sacks, breaking a franchise record (63) which was set in 2024. For much of the year, the Broncos were chasing the NFL record for sacks in a season (72) set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.
In 2026, All-Pro defensive tackle Zach Allen confidently believes Denver can finally break the record. “We’ve got a lot of good guys; that’s going to create a lot of opportunities for people,” Allen said after the second week of mandatory minicamp, via Luca Evans of the Denver Post. “We came close to the sack record last year, and we fully expect to break it this year.”
You can view Allen’s comments below.
Based off the 2025 data, the Broncos have a great chance at breaking the record of the ’84 Bears. In 2025, 17 players recorded at least half a sack. Ten players recorded more than three sacks. Right now, there are two wild cards in the equation which could create complications, or at the very least, open doors for other players.
Pass-rusher Jonathon Cooper is dealing with some very serious legal allegations, which could lead to a possible league discipline, not to mention what could happen in the legal system. Cooper was second on the team in sacks (eight), which could prove to be a hurdle. Thankfully, there are a number of players who are in line to step up in the interim, such as third-year outside linebacker Jonah Elliss.
Second, the departure of John Franklin-Myers could mess with the numbers. JFM was third on the team with 7.5 sacks, and represented a massive hole-filler in the middle of the defense. Finding his replacement, not only personnel-wise, but production-wise, is going to be a top priority for the 2026 Broncos, and one of the most-watched training camp battles of the early season.
Despite those glaring issues, Denver is up to the task. In each of the past two seasons, the Broncos have recorded at least 63 sacks, which is the best in the league in each of the past two years.
Chasing the Bears isn’t the only goal of the defense: They’re chasing the Lombardi, too.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
