PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Broncos' circumstances entering free agency in 2025 were different than in recent years.
As Owner & CEO Greg Penner detailed Monday at the NFL's Annual Meeting, Denver's aggressive plan in 2023 was shaped by necessity. A year ago, a measured approach was mandated by salary cap restraints.
But in 2025, Denver's plan could best be described by the desire to capitalize on the opportunity that lies ahead.
"I was really pleased," Penner said. "I thought [General Manager] George [Paton] and [Head Coach] Sean [Payton] put together a really good plan and executed it well. I think we got better on the field and, frankly, the makeup of the team improved with the guys that that we brought in.
"… This year, I'd say we were more opportunistic. We had some key needs at inside linebacker, safety and tight end. They identified some players that really would be a good fit for us and got those done. I was really pleased."
The Broncos signed highly touted free agents in linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and tight end Evan Engram, and the moves continue to build upon a successful season in which Denver did not allow the salary cap or external expectations to set a ceiling.
"I think we've got the right people in place now with our ownership group, Sean, George and others, where we're not going to make excuses," Penner said. "Our job is to put the best football team on the field each season, no matter what the constraints are. You're going to have obstacles that come up, whether they are injuries, something happens with a player or financial restraints with the cap, but we're not going to make excuses. We're going to do everything we can to be competitive each year."
As Penner looks ahead to the upcoming season, he said the team will continue to operate with high standards.
"That's been our mindset since we've bought the team, which is: We're going to continue to set higher expectations," Penner said. "Obviously, we had a really tough first season, but we're going to continue to push. We're not satisfied, at all, with where we are. We think we're in a good place, in terms of the building blocks that we've got set now. But we're in a tough division. Everybody is looking to improve. We have some work to do this offseason to get to where we need to be."
Earlier Monday, Payton emphasized those high expectations are shared among the Broncos' football leadership.
"[We're] hungry for more than where we're at right now," Payton said.
FOCUSED ON FOOTBALL
Quarterback Bo Nix has spent his offseason embracing the Denver area, as the fan-favorite has attended Nuggets and Avalanche games while also giving back in the community.
Penner, though, said Nix has also frequented Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit as he prepares for his second NFL season.
"I'd say the first and most important thing is he's totally focused on football," Penner said. "It's been great. He's been in the facility this offseason, getting in his workouts and treatment with the other players and building those relationships. At the same time, it was fun to see him at the Nuggets game and an Avalanche game in the same weekend. I think that's great for him, just for the fans to see him out and about in the community, and [he is] starting to get involved in some community efforts. I know he did some hospital visits, and he's going to be hosting a youth camp. Again, he's totally focused on football and understands there's some other things that go with it. He's a worker and going to continue to improve."
