Continuity is crucial, especially when building a roster capable of competing for NFL championships.
As the Broncos enter Sean Payton’s third year, they’ve quickly turned things around. From struggling at the bottom to becoming playoff contenders in just a few seasons, the Broncos’ leadership has done an excellent job restoring a winning culture at Dove Valley.
Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Over The Cap, reports that the Broncos are set to have the highest player retention rate in the NFL for the 2025 season. According to his numbers, 86% of last year’s roster will return. The top five also include the Packers, Bills, Lions, and Bengals, with four of those teams making the playoffs last year.
Overall, seven of the top ten teams in retention made the postseason, compared to only three from the bottom ten.
During free agency, the Broncos improved key positions like safety, linebacker, and tight end. In the draft, they used two of their first three picks to strengthen the offense around Bo Nix. These moves should help the team progress.
But the biggest reason for optimism is the number of starters returning in key roles. The offensive line, ranked among the best last year, is back intact with all five starters. On defense, the top defensive linemen and the core four edge rushers will return, providing valuable stability few teams can match.
Teams with the highest percentage of players returning to the roster in 2025 (PS players not included)
1. Broncos- 86.0%
2. Packers- 84.5%
3. Bills- 84.2%
4. Lions- 80.0%
5. Bengals- 79.1%
6. Bucs- 78.1%
7. Cowboys- 77.9%
8. Rams- 77.0%
9. Giants- 76.8%
10. Commanders- 75.9%— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 27, 2025
Additionally, the growth of young players entering their second and third seasons on both offense and defense will be critical for the team’s continued success. It’s impressive how solid the Broncos’ talent foundation is, especially considering how rough things looked just a few years ago.
With a young quarterback leading the way and plenty of future cap space, the Broncos can leverage continuity to their advantage in the coming years. It’s not just about player retention—having one of the best coaching staffs also ensures they get the most out of their roster.
All of this makes me excited to see how the Broncos perform in 2025.
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