The Denver Broncos experienced a significant turnaround in 2024 and are poised to be one of the NFL’s most active teams during the 2025 offseason as they enhance a roster now built around franchise quarterback Bo Nix.
The team endured one of the roughest stretches in its history, hitting rock bottom in 2022-23 after an ill-fated gamble on Russell Wilson. Expected to replicate the impact of a Peyton Manning-type quarterback, Wilson’s tenure fell disastrously short. His eventual release left the franchise in turmoil. Just ask Sean Payton—it was a tough time in Denver.
Despite these challenges, some former Broncos players may now be questioning the timing of their departures. Whether by choice or the team’s decision, a few key players left just as the organization began its resurgence, only to discover that the proverbial grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.
Here are three former Broncos who might regret leaving Denver when they did:
After the Broncos traded Bradley Chubb in 2022, Dre’Mont Jones appeared ready to leave Denver. Drafted in the third round in 2019, Jones became a vital contributor to a team that desperately needed cornerstone players. However, he decided during the 2022 season that he was done with the Broncos and signed a lucrative deal with the Seahawks in 2023 free agency.
Ironically, Jones was originally the Seahawks’ desired trade piece in the Russell Wilson deal, a fact that became public knowledge. Seattle eventually got their man, while the Broncos replaced Jones with Zach Allen, a free agent from the Cardinals.
The results speak for themselves:
- Jones (34 games): 8.5 sacks, 77 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 25 QB hits
- Allen (33 games): 13.5 sacks, 121 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 64 QB hits
Financially, the Broncos likely couldn’t afford to keep both players. But Jones’ determination to leave Denver led the team to let him walk without even considering the franchise tag. While Jones’ bank account is secure, his production has declined, and one has to wonder if he now regrets missing out on the excitement surrounding Denver’s resurgence. Meanwhile, Allen is positioned to earn a significant payday on his next contract.
Justin Simmons’ departure from Denver was mostly beyond his control, but there’s a lingering question of whether he could have stayed by agreeing to a substantial pay cut. The Broncos allocated resources to signing Brandon Jones and re-signing PJ Locke, which suggests they might have retained Simmons at the right price.
Instead, Simmons entered free agency and lingered there longer than expected before signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, where he once again missed the playoffs. It’s almost tragic that a player of Simmons’ caliber has yet to experience postseason football. His departure from Denver coincided with the team ending its playoff drought, a bittersweet twist of fate.
Perhaps 2025 will bring a reunion with the Broncos, as it feels like Simmons’ story in Denver isn’t quite over.
No player exemplifies poor timing more than Jerry Jeudy. His departure came just as the Broncos’ offense began to flourish under Bo Nix, a quarterback with whom Jeudy could have thrived. Instead, Jeudy requested a trade and landed with the Cleveland Browns, the NFL’s worst team.
Jeudy had a standout game against Denver on a big stage this past season, but much like his tenure with the Broncos, it ended in a loss. While he managed to rack up 1,000 receiving yards, it came on a team with no clear direction or future. Meanwhile, the Broncos made the playoffs, showcasing what Jeudy might have been a part of had he stayed.
For Jeudy, the move to Cleveland likely wasn’t worth sacrificing the chance to contribute to Denver’s resurgence.
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