A pessimist's guide to the 2024 Denver Broncos

In 2023, the Denver Broncos missed the playoffs and notched their seventh consecutive losing season. Following a roster overhaul, things could get worse in 2024.

Here's why Denver should be worried about next season.

No clear answer at quarterback 

This offseason, the Broncos released QB Russell Wilson and drafted Bo Nix (pick No. 12) as his replacement. However, some believe Denver reached on the 24-year-old passer, meaning he could flop.

During a recent appearance on "The Ryen Russillo Podcast," former ESPN analyst Todd McShay said he spoke to at least 10 talent evaluators, and none of them gave Nix a first-round grade. McShay added that he considers the rookie QB as a "backup."  

If Nix fails to win the starting job, the Broncos must roll with Jarrett Stidham or former first-round pick Zach Wilson. Neither inspires confidence. 

Wilson went 12-21 as a starter and threw more interceptions (25) than TDs (23) in three seasons with the Jets. Stidham, meanwhile, has mainly served as a backup in four seasons with the Patriots, Raiders and Broncos, posting a subpar 78.3 passer rating and a 1-3 starting record. 

It appears the roster is devoid of talent 

Wilson's release resulted in an NFL-record $85M cap hit over the next two seasons, which limited the Broncos' spending ability in free agency. To create more cap room, they released Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons and dealt wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns.

Keep in mind Denver finished 19th in the league in points scored (357) and 27th in points allowed (413) last season, so losing talented players on both sides of the ball was costly. In their 2024 roster rankings, Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman and Jim Wyman rated the Broncos' squad as the worst in the NFL.

While Broncos head coach Sean Payton is a Super Bowl champion, he can only do so much with a roster lacking depth and star power. As of Monday, DraftKings lists the Broncos 2024-25 over/under total at 5.5 wins, tied with the Carolina Panthers for the second worst in the league. 

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton's future with the team remains unclear

Although the former Pro Bowler recently confirmed he'll attend the start of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, it's not clear if Denver will give him a contract extension before the beginning of the season.
The 28-year-old wideout has two years remaining on a four-year, $60.8M deal, and Spotrac estimates his market value is a three-year contract worth $18.7M annually. The Broncos aren't in a position to offer extensions. Per OverTheCap, they hold $7.702M in cap space, 25th in the NFL.

Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver recently noted the Broncos aren't planning to trade Sutton, but they may change their mind if they struggle next season and want to acquire more draft capital. WR-needy teams (the Carolina Panthers or Buffalo Bills?) could be interested in Sutton, who tied for fourth in the league in TD catches (10 in 16 games) last season. Plus, trading him would save $13.57M in cap room.