Are the Broncos Ready to Dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC West?
The Broncos have had a strong 2025 offseason, signing multiple big-name free agents. After finishing 10-7 in a crowded AFC West, Denver has been aggressively making moves to overtake Kansas City in the division. Head coach Sean Payton exceeded expectations in his second year with the team. After cutting quarterback Russell Wilson prior to last season, the team had to eat his $53 million cap hit for him to play in Pittsburgh. The move put the organization in salary cap purgatory, and they couldn’t sign key free agents. They would go on to draft quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick, who at the time wasn’t projected as a first-round talent. Payton was able to unlock the rookie play-caller as he and Nix led the team to a Wild Card appearance. They lost to the Buffalo Bills but hopes for a bright future are a mile high in Denver.
The AFC West is now loaded with winning cultures being placed in all the organizations. We all know who the Kansas City Chiefs are, so there is no further need to discuss their supremacy. The Los Angeles Chargers leaped last year after bringing in head coach Jim Harbaugh fresh off an NCAA title at Michigan. Harbaugh has set a physical standard in LA by leaning on defense and a strong run game to wear down opponents. Quarterback Justin Herbert is going into his sixth year and has a lot of high-end abilities as a passer when given a stable coaching staff. They made a Wild Card appearance last season and have high expectations heading into the second year of the Harbaugh era. The surprise of the offseason has been in Las Vegas with the beloved Raiders. Tom Brady’s minority ownership of the team has placed him in a significant role in how the team will be built, and he’s made a major splash in headlines. The Raiders began by bringing back superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby on a three-year, $106.5 million extension. They also hired head coach Pete Carroll as an experienced leader to uplift the organization. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith also signed a two-year deal worth up to $85.5 million with incentives. The Raiders also have the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft and could lean a few different ways into who they select. The Raiders should be a threat to compete within an exciting division by making the correct move at number six alongside their big-name signings.
Focusing on the offseason was a priority for the Broncos, and they have arguably made the most interesting moves out of any front office. The biggest names begin with former 49ers players Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw. Hufanga signed a three-year deal, up to $45 million. He’s a physical safety who has experience with a winning organization and a strong voice in the locker room. Greenlaw signed a three-year deal and is a nasty linebacker who excels in both the passing and running game. Signing key players from a 49ers defense to pair alongside Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and other young stars is a scary look for opposing offenses. The Broncos also signed tight end Evan Engram, who will have an immediate impact with Nix. Engram led all tight ends with 114 receptions in 2023 and will provide a versatile security blanket for any quarterback.
Hitting in the draft is next for the Broncos, as they hold seven picks, and their first coming 20th overall. The team could draft multiple ways but is projected to focus on the offensive side. NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts they will select running back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina with their first pick. This year’s class is deep with top-end running back talent, and Denver has a need at the position after losing Javonte Williams to the Cowboys. ESPN’s Analyst Mel Kiper believes the Broncos will stick on the offensive side but take wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian from Arizona. The defensive looks poised to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs this next season, so supporting a second-year quarterback with talent around him is key for the Broncos to win the AFC West and make noise in the playoffs.
