Bo Nix is not participating in Broncos OTAs, but his return timetable may be accelerated based on the last update. Sean Payton said at OTAs a Nix ramp-up in time for minicamp is likely to commence.
The third-year quarterback, who is recovering from a cleanup surgery that followed a January procedure on his ankle fracture, will have “more of a role” during the Broncos’ three-day minicamp. Denver’s mandatory minicamp will run from June 16-18.
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Some moderate concerns about Nix’s status emerged earlier this offseason, when it was revealed he needed a cleanup procedure following a medical evaluation. Initially, Nix was slated to return by OTAs; as it turned out, the QB needed more time.
A training camp return, at the very latest, is expected. But Payton’s update on his starter represents a good sign for the Broncos, who are set to return 10 offensive starters while adding Jaylen Waddle via trade. Nix and Waddle may be able to begin developing on-field chemistry this month.
Elsewhere at Broncos voluntary workouts, Payton may be ready for an about-face on Jonah Elliss‘ role. Operating as the Broncos’ third edge rusher during his first two seasons, Elliss was believed to be set for an extended look as an inside linebacker — where brothers Kaden (Saints) and Christian (Patriots) play. But Payton said (via the Denver Post’s Luca Evans) Elliss is “doing too well outside” for the team to move him. While the third-year linebacker may see time in an off-ball role at points, the EDGE position will remain his primary post.
The Broncos drafted Elliss in the 2024 third round, tabbing the Utah product — whose father (Luther) made a late-career Denver cameo in the 2000s — after a 12-sack 2023 season. Elliss, 23, registered five sacks as a rookie but just 2.5 in 13 games during an injury-shortened 2025. The Broncos had eyed an Elliss move to ILB to give more time to 2025 fourth-round pick Que Robinson, but it appears the second-year player will need to vie with the more experienced cog to play behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.
The latter’s arrest Friday clouds Denver’s OLB outlook, as a suspension under the personal conduct policy could loom. Though, it is not certain Cooper will be suspended or that a league ruling would come down by season’s end.
Denver also returns its starting secondary, which looks to mean another backup role for 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron. The Texas product played just 30% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps as a rookie, working behind Patrick Surtain, Riley Moss and slot Ja’Quan McMillian. Barron battled McMillian for the slot job last summer, but Payton added (via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson) he would see more time on the outside ahead of his second season.
Both Moss and McMillian are in contract years, and although the Broncos have completed a host of extensions since 2024, they probably will not pay both players. Barron taking over for one in 2027 is logical.
The team placed a second-round RFA tender on McMillian and has used Moss as Surtain’s primary sidekick for the past two seasons. Barron may have a chance to unseat Moss, who has enjoyed quality stretches while being regularly targeted (and penalized) as teams avoid Surtain, or at least begin developing on the perimeter in the event the starter leaves as a 2027 free agent.
Good on the Elliss decision. He’s too good a pass rusher and edge player to move him to ILB and limit his contributions. Denver is deep, but you never know when the injury bug will bite. Even without it, the limited snaps that Elliss has behind the others are still valuable to the team because of his contributions.
Denver is probably the only team that has the talent, on paper, to match up with the Rams (the Eagles are another candidate). They don’t have the sheer weight of Hall of Famers that the Rams do, and have a few positional weaknesses (notably at TE, HB, and ILB, and their QB is significantly worse right now). However, the Broncos are deep at several important positions (notably OLB, IDL, and CB-and WR to a degree, though it’s top heavy), but they have stars of their own. Depth will be very important if they hope to outlast their competitors in the playoffs. Elliss could earn a starting opportunity on an edge needy team. He’s a much more valuable weapon to have there than he is at ILB.