The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 NFL season with quiet confidence—and for good reason. While many expected a splashy overhaul after falling just short of Super Bowl LX, general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton took a different approach. Instead of chasing big-name free agents, they studied the roster and made a clear statement: continuity matters.
That meant re-signing nearly every key contributor, even those who didn't see the field much in 2025. It was a move that left some fans restless, wondering if the team was simply "running it back." But then came the thunderbolt: the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The deal—sending first- and third-round picks to the Miami Dolphins—had been brewing since last season's trade deadline. Suddenly, the Broncos had a top-tier weapon in the passing game, and the narrative shifted.
In the 2026 draft, Denver used its seven selections to patch up potential weaknesses. The result? A roster many analysts now rank among the NFL's best. But the most impactful move might have come much earlier, and it's almost been forgotten in the excitement of the Waddle acquisition.
When the Broncos parted ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, few expected Sean Payton to hand over play-calling duties. After all, that role has been Payton's trademark—his baby, as some call it. But in a surprising shift, Payton announced that Davis Webb would take over as offensive coordinator and primary play-caller for the 2026 season.
Payton, widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive minds in modern NFL history, will still have influence. But his play-calling had grown predictable at times, and a fresh perspective was needed. Enter Webb—a young, hungry coach who has been groomed within the system. For Broncos fans, this change represents an injection of creativity and energy that could elevate the entire offense.
In a league where the smallest edges can decide championships, Denver's most underrated offseason move might be the one that makes the biggest difference on game day.