Tag: Michael Burton

Broncos have 19 players scheduled to become free agents in 2025

The Broncos have 19 players scheduled to become free agents in 2025, including RB Javonte Willams, DL D.J. Jones and QB Zach Wilson.

After falling to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday, the Denver Broncos have have now entered offseason mode.

The Broncos have 19 players scheduled to become free agents this spring, including 13 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com.

The team’s list of UFAs includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, inside linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

Denver also has a restricted free agents in long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, plus five exclusive rights free agents, including slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Here’s a quick list of the team’s 19 pending free agents, with the RFAs and ERFAs noted.

Broncos 2025 free agents

  1. DL D.J. Jones
  2. QB Zach Wilson
  3. QB Jarrett Stidham
  4. LB Cody Barton
  5. CB Tremon Smith
  6. RB Javonte Williams
  7. P Riley Dixon
  8. LB Justin Strnad
  9. OL Matt Peart
  10. CB Levi Wallace
  11. LB Zach Cunningham
  12. FB Michael Burton
  13. WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
  14. LS Mitchell Fraboni (RFA)
  15. TE Lucas Krull (ERFA)
  16. OLB Dondrea Tillman (ERFA)
  17. DB Devon Key (ERFA)
  18. DL Jordan Jackson (ERFA)
  19. CB Ja’Quan McMillian (ERFA)

The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

5 other Broncos players received 2024 All-Pro votes

The Broncos had five players named 2024 All-Pros, and five other Denver players also received votes.

The Denver Broncos had five players named to 2024 Associated Press All-Pro teams on Friday, their most in a single season since 1996.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain, right guard Quinn Meinerz and punt returner Marvin Mims were named first-team All-Pros while edge defender Nik Bonitto and interior defensive lineman Zach Allen received second-team All-Pro recognition.

Additionally, five other Denver players also received All-Pro votes.

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles (nine votes), fullback Michael Burton (six), safety Brandon Jones (five), long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (four) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (one) were also recognized in the process.

Surtain, Bonitto and Mims were also named Pro Bowl starters and eight Denver players were named alternates for the Pro Bowl. Surtain and Mims were also named to the 2024 NFLPA’s All-Pro team.

The Broncos just wrapped up their best regular season since 2015, so it’s no surprise that accolades are pouring in. Up next is a likely Defensive Player of the Year nod for Surtain during “NFL Honors” in February.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

12 players who might play last game for Broncos on Sunday

These players might be playing their final game with the Broncos on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos will aim to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. If they don’t beat the Chiefs, the Broncos’ season could end in Week 18.

Whenever their season does end, the Broncos will have 13 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com.

The list of UFAs includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

Some of those players might not return in 2025, so if Denver does not make the playoffs, Sunday could be their final game with the Broncos.

Broncos 2025 free agents

  1. DL D.J. Jones
  2. QB Zach Wilson
  3. QB Jarrett Stidham
  4. LB Cody Barton
  5. CB Tremon Smith
  6. RB Javonte Williams
  7. P Riley Dixon
  8. LB Justin Strnad
  9. OL Matt Peart
  10. LB Zach Cunningham
  11. FB Michael Burton
  12. WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey

The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

8 Broncos (including Bo Nix) named alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

Bo Nix is among eight Broncos players who were named alternates for the 2025 Pro Bowl.

The Denver Broncos had three players elected to the 2025 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Thursday.

In addition to those players, eight other Broncos players were named alternates for the all-star game.

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz (first alternate), long snapper Mitch Fraboni (first), kicker Wil Lutz (third), tackle Garett Bolles (third), fullback Mike Burton (fourth), defensive lineman Zach Allen (fourth), quarterback Bo Nix (fourth) and safety Brandon Jones (fifth) were named Pro Bowl alternates. They will be candidates to join the Pro Bowl roster if other players drop out.

1. Quinn Meinerz delivers big pancake blocks on a near-weekly basis and his 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fifth among NFL guards.

2. Mitchell Fraboni was named a PFF second-team All-Pro last season and he had another impressive campaign in 2024. He totaled five tackles on punt coverage after snapping to Dixon.

3. Wil Lutz converted 30 field goals this season, which ranked sixth in the AFC and seventh overall. His 90.9% field goal rate ranked fifth among qualified kickers in the AFC and he was one of nine full-time kickers to go 100% on extra point attempts this fall. Lutz was a perfect 11-of-11 on field goal attempts between 40-49 yards, the best mark at that range this season.

4. Garett Bolles was credited with allowing two sacks this season and his 88.8 pass-blocking grade on PFF ranks fifth in the NFL among offensive tackles.

5. Michael Burton is the No. 1-ranked fullback on PFF this season with an overall grade of 66.8 and a pass-blocking grade of 75.8. Burton is used primarily as a blocker, but he has also picked up six first downs and scored two touchdowns with six carries and 10 receptions this season.

6. Zach Allen has recorded 73 pressures, 8.5 sacks (tied for second among AFC interior defensive linemen), 39 QB hits, 34 hurries, 15 tackles behind the line, one safety and one pass breakup this season.

7. Bo Nix‘s 30 total touchdowns rank fourth in the AFC this season, only trailing Joe Burrow (44), Lamar Jackson (43) and Josh Allen (41). His long of 93 yards ranks third in the NFL and his 24 sacks are eighth-fewest among the league’s 32 quarterbacks.

8. Brandon Jones has totaled three interceptions this fall, tied for fourth-most in the AFC. His 114 tackles are a team-high in Denver. Jones also broke up 10 passes, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in 2024.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos could get reinforcement from injured reserve this week

Broncos RB Tyler Badie (back) has until Jan. 14 to return from injured reserve.

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) returned to practice last week, starting his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.

Badie now has until Jan. 14 to be activated to the 53-man roster. If the running back is not activated by that deadline, he will remain on IR for the rest of Denver’s season.

The Broncos previously brought back six other players from injury lists this fall. Since-traded pass rusher Baron Browning, offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey, cornerback Damarri Mathis, running back Audric Estime and center Luke Wattenberg returned from IR earlier this season. Denver also activated linebacker Drew Sanders from the physically unable to perform list.

The Broncos opted to cut wide receiver Josh Reynolds when his IR window was closing, and the team chose to keep safety Delarrin Turner-Yell on the PUP list for the rest of the season.

Broncos eligible to return from IR

  1. RB Tyler Badie: Deadline to return: Jan. 14

The Broncos also have two players — linebacker Alex Singleton (ACL) and offensive lineman Quinn Bailey (ankle) — who are on season-ending IR.

Broncos on season-ending injured reserve

  1. LB Alex Singleton: Out for season
  2. OL Quinn Bailey: Out for season

NFL teams can have eight players return from IR during a season, and teams who make the playoffs are granted two extra potential returns.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos RB Tyler Badie opens window to return from injured reserve

Broncos RB Tyler Badie (back) returned to practice on Tuesday, starting his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) returned to practice on Tuesday, starting his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.

If Badie is not activated to the 53-man roster within the next three weeks, he will remain on IR for the rest of Denver’s season. The Broncos previously brought back six other players from injury lists this fall.

Earlier this year, pass rusher Baron Browning, offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey, cornerback Damarri Mathis, running back Audric Estime and center Luke Wattenberg returned from IR. Denver also activated linebacker Drew Sanders from the physically unable to perform list.

The Broncos opted to cut wide receiver Josh Reynolds when his IR window was closing, and the team chose to keep safety Delarrin Turner-Yell on the PUP list for the rest of the season.

Broncos eligible to return from IR

  1. RB Tyler Badie: Deadline to return: Jan. 14

The Broncos also have two players — linebacker Alex Singleton (ACL) and offensive lineman Quinn Bailey (ankle) — who are on season-ending IR.

Broncos on season-ending injured reserve

  1. LB Alex Singleton: Out for season
  2. OL Quinn Bailey: Out for season

NFL teams can have eight players return from IR during a season, and teams who make the playoffs are granted two extra potential returns.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos have 21 players scheduled to become free agents in 2025

The Broncos’ list of players scheduled to become free agents in 2025 includes Garett Bolles, Javonte Williams and the both backup QBs.

The Denver Broncos have already given a four-year contract extension to outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper. Now attention turns toward the team’s 21 other players scheduled to become free agents in 2025.

The Broncos have 14 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com. Perhaps most notable among the team’s UFAs is left tackle Garett Bolles. The list of UFAs also includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

Denver also has a pair of restricted free agents in offensive lineman Quinn Bailey and long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, plus five exclusive rights free agents, including cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Here’s a quick list of the team’s 21 pending free agents, with the RFAs and ERFAs noted.

Broncos 2025 free agents

  1. OT Garett Bolles
  2. DL D.J. Jones
  3. QB Zach Wilson
  4. QB Jarrett Stidham
  5. LB Cody Barton
  6. CB Tremon Smith
  7. RB Javonte Williams
  8. P Riley Dixon
  9. LB Justin Strnad
  10. OL Matt Peart
  11. CB Levi Wallace
  12. LB Zach Cunningham
  13. FB Michael Burton
  14. WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
  15. OL Quinn Bailey (RFA)
  16. LS Mitchell Fraboni (RFA)
  17. TE Lucas Krull (ERFA)
  18. OLB Dondrea Tillman (ERFA)
  19. DB Devon Key (ERFA)
  20. DL Jordan Jackson (ERFA)
  21. CB Ja’Quan McMillian (ERFA)

The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos will have to make a Josh Reynolds decision this week

The Broncos have to make a decision on WR Josh Reynolds this week.

The Denver Broncos will have to make a roster decision soon.

After activating linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) from the physically unable to perform list last week, the Broncos now need to make a decision on wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger).

If Reynolds is not activated from injured reserve by Wednesday, he will remain on IR for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere on the IR front, running back Tyler Badie (back) is yet to return to practice. Once he returns to practice, Badie will have a 21-day window to return to the 53-man roster.

Here’s a look at the team’s IR/PUP players eligible to return going into Week 14.

Broncos eligible to return from IR/PUP

  1. WR Josh Reynolds: Deadline to return is Dec. 4
  2. RB Tyler Badie: Eligible to return to practice

The Broncos also have two players — linebacker Alex Singleton (ACL) and offensive lineman Quinn Bailey (ankle) — who are on season-ending IR.

Broncos on season-ending injured reserve

  1. LB Alex Singleton: Out for season
  2. OL Quinn Bailey: Out for season

If Denver activates Reynolds, the team will have to make a corresponding move to create a spot for Reynolds on the active roster.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

WATCH: Broncos FB Michael Burton scores vs. Browns

Michael Burton gives the Broncos a 14-10 lead over the Browns!

Denver Broncos fullback Michael Burton scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Monday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter/X page:

The score was set up by Nix’s 23-yard pass to wide receiver Troy Franklin:

At the time of publication, Denver leads Cleveland 14-10.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos’ updated 53-man roster after recent moves

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ updated 53-man roster going into the Browns game.

The Denver Broncos made a series of roster moves this week ahead of their Monday Night Football clash with the Cleveland Browns.

Most notably, the Broncos cut tight end Greg Dulcich and promoted linebacker Zach Cuningham from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Following the team’s five transactions this week, here’s a look at the updated active roster going into Week 13.

Denver Broncos 53-man roster

Position Name Number
QB Bo Nix 10
QB Jarrett Stidham 8
QB Zach Wilson 4
RB Javonte Williams 33
RB Jaleel McLaughlin 38
RB Audric Estime 23
FB Michael Burton 20
FB/TE Nate Adkins 45
TE Adam Trautman 82
TE Lucas Krull 85
WR Courtland Sutton 14
WR Marvin Mims 19
WR Troy Franklin 16
WR Devaughn Vele 17
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey 84
OT Garett Bolles 72
OT Mike McGlinchey 69
OT Frank Crum 73
OT Alex Palczewski 63
OL Matt Peart 79
G/C Quinn Meinerz 77
G Ben Powers 74
C/G Alex Forsyth 54
C/G Luke Wattenberg 60
DE Zach Allen 99
DE John Franklin-Myers 98
DL D.J. Jones 93
DL Malcolm Roach 97
DL Eyioma Uwazurike 96
DL Jordan Jackson 94
OLB Jonathon Cooper 0
OLB Nik Bonitto 15
OLB Jonah Elliss 52
OLB Dondrea Tillman 92
LB Drew Sanders  41
ILB Cody Barton 55
ILB Justin Strnad 40
ILB Levelle Bailey 56
ILB Zach Cunningham 42
CB Pat Surtain 2
CB Ja’Quan McMillian 29
CB Riley Moss 21
CB Levi Wallace 39
CB Kris Abrams-Draine 31
CB Tremon Smith 1
CB Damarri Mathis 27
DB Devon Key 26
S Brandon Jones 22
S P.J. Locke 6
S JL Skinner 34
K Wil Lutz 3
P Riley Dixon 9
LS Mitchell Fraboni 48

With a 53-man roster and a 17-player practice squad, Denver has 70 players under contract, plus several players on injured reserve.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]