Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has signed a one-year contract worth $2 million to remain with the Denver Broncos for the 2026 NFL season. Ehlinger, who has had limited starting experience with three career starts all in 2022 for the Indianapolis Colts, continues to provide valuable depth behind Broncos’ third-year starting quarterback Bo Nix amid ongoing trade discussions involving backup Jarrett Stidham.
Details of Ehlinger’s New Contract and Role
Ehlinger recorded three touchdowns and three interceptions during his brief starting tenure with the Colts, finishing with an 0-3 record. In 2025, he served primarily as the emergency third quarterback for Denver, though NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted that Ehlinger could have attracted interest on the free-agent market if he had not re-signed. The Broncos opted to retain a coach-favored player and secure stability behind Nix, especially with rumors swirling about the possible trade of backup Stidham.
Notable Moves Among Denver Broncos Players
John Franklin-Myers Signs Lucrative Deal with Titans
Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, formerly a Bronco, agreed to a three-year contract worth $63 million with the Tennessee Titans, as reported by NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. Franklin-Myers, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2018, had significant production during his time with the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 25 tackles in 2025 for Denver over 16 games. His prior connection with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who coached him in New York, factored into the deal, which required outbidding the San Francisco 49ers. Despite not surpassing eight sacks in a season, Franklin-Myers secured a top-tier free-agent payday.
J.K. Dobbins Returns on a Two-Year Contract
The Broncos have agreed to bring back running back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year deal, according to sources cited by Mike Klis of 9 News. Dobbins, who had a promising start to 2025 before a season-ending foot injury requiring surgery, posted 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries across 10 games. Although his production was split with rookie RJ Harvey, Denver’s willingness to sign Dobbins again underscores their confidence when healthy. The 27-year-old former Baltimore Ravens second-round pick has struggled with durability throughout his career and never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a season. His return complicates the backfield dynamic, especially for Harvey, who operated as the lead running back after Dobbins’ injury. Dobbins is viewed as a high-risk, potential flex or RB3 option for fantasy football managers due to his injury history and the competition in Denver’s backfield.
Tight End Adam Trautman Committed for Three More Years
Adam Trautman, the Broncos’ tight end, has secured a three-year contract extension to stay with Denver through 2026, per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Trautman, 29, spent his initial NFL seasons under coach Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Broncos. In 2025, he appeared in 17 games, tallying 20 receptions, 195 yards, and one score on 23 targets. While Trautman adds valuable depth at tight end, his limited production—55 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns over 51 games—means he is not expected to be a significant fantasy football asset.
Wide Receiver Marvin Mims Jr. Faces Depth Chart Challenges
Marvin Mims Jr. showed promise during his second NFL season by catching 39 passes for 503 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. However, his performance dipped in 2025, with 37 receptions on 51 targets for just 322 yards and one touchdown over 15 games. Mims was often overshadowed by receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and rookie Pat Bryant, and even tight end Evan Engram surpassed his receiving yards. Despite his special teams prowess as a two-time Pro Bowler, Mims’ offensive role remains limited and inconsistent, likely hindering his fantasy relevance in 2026.
Tyler Badie Nears Agreement on One-Year Tender
Running back Tyler Badie plans to sign his one-year, $1.075 million restricted free agent tender with the Broncos soon, according to Chris Tomasson of The Athletic. The 26-year-old, a sixth-round pick by Baltimore in 2022, had minimal touches in 2025—eight carries for 23 yards and 19 catches for 141 yards—with modest special teams contributions. With the Broncos expected to pursue other running backs in free agency, Badie is positioned for a diminished role, likely as an RB3. His fantasy outlook remains bleak due to limited playing time and competition deep in Denver’s backfield.
Denver Likely to Part Ways with John Franklin-Myers
Sources report that the Broncos do not plan to re-sign defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who becomes an unrestricted free agent soon, as detailed by Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. Franklin-Myers, 29, has not engaged in contract talks with Denver since the conclusion of the 2025 season. During his two years in Denver, he registered 14.5 sacks and 65 tackles across 33 games. Ranking third on the team in sacks in 2025, he was instrumental in Denver’s league-leading pass rush. Franklin-Myers is expected to attract interest from multiple teams throughout the upcoming free agency period.
Backup Quarterback Jarrett Stidham Draws Trade Interest
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, several NFL teams have contacted the Broncos regarding the availability of quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham’s only start in 2025 came in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots, when he started in place of an injured Bo Nix. Despite a promising start in that game, which was hampered by adverse weather conditions, Stidham’s overall performance included 133 passing yards, one touchdown, an interception, and a costly fumble. Broncos head coach Sean Payton regards Stidham highly as a backup quarterback, ensuring any potential trade would come at a premium price. Among backup QBs, Stidham is considered one of the league’s more capable options.
Ja’Quan McMillian to Receive Second-Round Tender
Nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian will be offered a second-round restricted free agent tender by the Broncos, which comes with a $5.77 million salary, reports Mike Klis of 9 News. This represents a significant pay increase from his 2025 salary of $1.03 million. McMillian led Denver’s defense in interceptions (three), forced fumbles (two), and sacks (four) last season. Any team interested in signing him away would be required to surrender a second-round draft pick and negotiate a contract extension. The former undrafted East Carolina product also contributed 56 tackles and nine pass breakups in 2025, playing a key role in the Broncos’ defensive backfield moving forward.
Jaleel McLaughlin Faces Free Agency Uncertainty
The Broncos are not expected to tender running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who will test free agency next month, as reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Although the Broncos might consider bringing him back for depth, McLaughlin played only eight games in 2025, logging 187 rushing yards and one touchdown on 37 carries, along with four receptions for 27 yards. Over the first two seasons, he totaled 906 rushing yards and six touchdowns, but limited use last year and competition within Denver’s backfield diminishes his role. The team plans to add running back depth through free agency or the draft, with McLaughlin unlikely to be a priority.
McLaughlin’s Role Appears Limited in Broncos’ Backfield
After placing over 570 scrimmage yards in both his first NFL seasons, Jaleel McLaughlin’s 2025 performance was notably reduced. In eight games, he amassed 214 total yards and one touchdown on 41 touches. Much of the season, he was inactive, trailing J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Tyler Badie on the depth chart. Although McLaughlin received more playing time following Dobbins’ foot injury, RJ Harvey emerged as Denver’s primary running back and future lead. McLaughlin averages fewer than seven touches per game for his career and is viewed as a change-of-pace back rather than a feature player, limiting his fantasy football relevance.
Sam Ehlinger’s contract extension solidifies his presence with the Broncos for 2026, maintaining experienced quarterback depth behind Bo Nix. Alongside notable roster moves—such as J.K. Dobbins’ return, Adam Trautman’s contract extension, and the departure of John Franklin-Myers—Denver is balancing a competitive and uncertain roster for the upcoming season. With several players facing free agency and others contending for roles, the Broncos’ decisions this offseason will be crucial to both their on-field performance and fantasy football implications.
