Broncos News: Denver RE-SIGNS 5 Players Before NFL Free Agency
The Denver Broncos are wasting no time making moves ahead of the 2025 NFL Free Agency period. On Wednesday, March 5, head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton secured five players for the upcoming season by tendering them as Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA). The notable names returning include cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian and tight end Lucas Krull, alongside defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, and safety Devon Key.
What Does ERFA Mean?
For those unfamiliar with the term, an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) is a player with fewer than three accrued NFL seasons who was undrafted. When a team tenders an ERFA, the player has only two options: sign the contract at the league minimum or leave the NFL. This system helps teams retain developing talent without competition from other organizations. Denver has wisely used this rule to retain key depth pieces for at least one more season.
Breaking Down the Players Retained
Ja’Quan McMillian (CB)
Among the five players, McMillian stands out as the most impactful signing. The young cornerback has excelled in Denver’s secondary, particularly in the slot corner role. After stepping in for an injured K’Waun Williams in 2023, McMillian proved himself as a capable playmaker, showcasing his versatility in coverage and as a run-stopper. Given his performance, securing McMillian on a league-minimum deal is a massive bargain for the Broncos. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could be in line for a more lucrative deal next offseason.
Lucas Krull (TE)
Krull has become a notable name among Denver’s tight ends, posting 152 receiving yards on 19 catches last season. A standout in training camp, Krull showed flashes of potential despite limited opportunities. While the Broncos are expected to address the tight end position in the upcoming draft, keeping Krull ensures depth at the position. With Adam Trautman expected to remain on the roster, Krull will have a chance to carve out a bigger role in 2025.
Dondrea Tillman (OLB)
A former standout in the UFL, Tillman made an immediate impact with the Broncos, recording five sacks in limited action. His breakout performance included a dominant game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Denver’s pass-rushing group facing potential changes in free agency, Tillman’s return provides crucial depth behind starters Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto. Given his upside and production, retaining Tillman was a no-brainer.
Jordan Jackson (DL)
Jackson played a larger role than many realized in 2024, appearing in 27% of defensive snaps. With defensive tackle D.J. Jones set to hit unrestricted free agency, keeping Jackson adds much-needed stability to the defensive line. Jackson’s presence, along with Malcolm Roach, gives Denver a solid foundation in the trenches, though additional reinforcements could be on the way via the draft or free agency.
Devon Key (S)
Key provided valuable depth in the secondary last season, starting a few games in 2024. With P.J. Locke’s future in doubt and Delarrin Turner-Yell recovering from an ACL injury, the safety position remains a question mark. Key’s strong preseason performances helped him earn a spot, and his return could be even more significant if Denver faces additional losses in the safety room.
Smart, Low-Cost Moves for Denver
Each of these signings represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Broncos. Tendering ERFAs allows Denver to keep valuable contributors at a minimal cost while maintaining flexibility for the rest of free agency. While these players aren’t franchise-altering stars, they provide crucial depth and stability as the team looks to improve heading into the 2025 season.
With the legal tampering period set to begin soon, all eyes will be on Denver to see what additional moves Payton and Paton make to strengthen the roster. Broncos Country, stay tuned!
