4 Broncos entering make or break seasons
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'jordan Humphrey (17) and tight end Evan Engram (1) celebrate after a second half touchdown to Humphrey and the AFC Divisional Round game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Denver Broncos are pretty much running it back in 2026. That means the coaches think they have lightening in a bottle with a team that were the best we've witnessed since the magical 2015 NFL season that culminated in a championship in Denver.
That doesn't mean there aren't players in this roster that aren't in jeapordy next season. This is the Not For Long" league, after all. I cheer for and love all of the players that don the orange and blue...but I also cheer for moves that make improve the team overall from year to year.
Without further ado, here are the 4 Broncos with the most on the line this season in order of highest to lowest risk:
Evan Engram
Engram is a real talent. But he struggled to hit the right vibe in the Broncos' system last year. His contract is up after this season and without a real eye-catching season, his days in Denver are likely numbered. Good players thrive in the Sean Payton system. I believe in Engram and hope he dials it up this year.
Ben Powers
It may be a hot take, but I honestly thought our guard play was better with Palczewski than it was with Powers on the field last season. I think the competition at guard is going to be something to watch this offseason and Powers could be a guy that gets swapped out next season if his play and resiliency isn't excellent in 2026.
Marvin Mims Jr.
I absolutely love Marvin Mims Jr. He's a hell of a football player. He's sadly not made in the mold of Sean Payton wants in a wide receiver. That doesn't mean Mims can't change minds. He's and absolute talent at returner. With the addition of Jayden Waddle, his role on the team as a receiver looks different this season. He's scheduled to be a free agent next year and he's going to need a big season to give the Broncos coaches to want to sign him to a larger contract.
Brandon JonesBrandon Jones is a stellar safety. He's got range, phsyicality, and reaction times you want to see at the position. He's been a rock for the Broncos defense when healthy. He's a guy I think isn't by any stretch of the imagination done. If he stays healthy and productive, he's a guy I'd love to see them extend. Also, I'd say that if Vance Joseph stays next year, the likelihood of Jones staying goes way up.
Hit us up in the comments and let us know who else you think may be on the hot seat this season. I've looked at this strictly from a contract situation / eye test point of view. Are there draft picks that made anyone's seat warmer in a significant way?
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