In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos addressed their roster needs and selected players who fit the culture cultivated by Sean Payton. Wrapping that up, the head coach dropped an update on their post-draft plans. The team already has a list of undrafted free agents whom they have agreed to sign.

According to The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, just after the draft, the Denver Broncos have signed 13 undrafted free agents.

“We’re still in free agency,” Payton said during their post-draft presser.

And those UDFAs include cornerbacks, linebackers, offensive linemen, wide receivers, and a long snapper.

In cornerback, they have Ahmari Harvey from Georgia Tech, Will Wright from Tennessee, and Brent Austin from Cal. Similarly, in linebacker, they have Dasan McCullough from Nebraska and Taurean York from Texas A&M.

McCullough recorded 21 tackles with five tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass breakup, earning Honorable Mention in All-Big Ten in 2025.

Meanwhile, during his breakout year, York recorded 74 tackles and 3 sacks in 2023 as a freshman, earning First-team All-SEC Freshman honors.

Payton and the Broncos are also set to sign offensive linemen Tyler Miller from Iowa State and Gavin Ortega from Weber State, and long snapper Luke Basso from Oregon.

The list includes five wide receivers as well. Dane Key from Nebraska, Joseph Manjack IV from TCU, Kolbie Katsis from Northern Arizona, Cam Ross from Virginia, and Sean Brown from Charlotte.

During his senior year, wide receiver Dane Key recorded 37 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns. He also won the Paul Hornung Award in Kentucky. 

It naturally raised a question that if the Broncos intended to sign them, why didn’t they just draft them?

To which Gabriel stated that the team didn’t want to sign an athlete who was definitely going into UDFA territory, while also making sure “they had their ducks in a row.”

Last year, Payton and the Broncos reached agreements with 15 undrafted agents. It included offensive lineman Xavier Truss and pass rusher Johnny Walker, among others.

Amidst the free agent signings, fans were still worried about Bo Nix's injury, and the head coach addressed it.

Sean Payton on Bo Nix’s Injury

Multiple officials within the organization believe Nix is progressing faster than expected after fracturing his ankle in the AFC divisional round versus the Buffalo Bills. He underwent prompt surgery and has remained a steady presence at the Broncos’ facility in Dove Valley.

When asked about quarterback Nix’s right ankle fracture, Payton also confirmed he was recovering well.

“He had a re-check that was scheduled,” Payton said. “He's doing great. We're excited about his progress. Nothing to report.”

He also stated that the new addition to the teams would meet Nix in the facility, suggesting he would be present there. 

Nix was also in attendance at the Masters. The Hall of Famer Peyton Manning noticed him walking with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. He is expected to be fully healthy entering OTAs and minicamp, which kick off in early May.

What are your thoughts on how things stand at the moment with the Broncos post-draft? Drop in your comments.

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar