Broncos Decide to Part Ways With Their Most Important Tight End Despite Still Lacking a “Joker Player” — A Confusing Move After Re-Signing Four Other Players to Cheap ERFA Deals

DENVER — While many teams around the NFL are rushing to finalize roster decisions before the start of free agency, the Denver Broncos have made a series of notable personnel moves. However, one decision in particular has raised eyebrows across the league: the team’s choice not to retain tight end Lucas Krull.

Krull, who had been viewed as one of the potential candidates to fill the “joker player” role in head coach Sean Payton’s offensive system, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the Broncos declined to tender him before the deadline. The move allows Krull to test the open market once the offseason officially begins.

What makes the decision even more puzzling is that Denver has already agreed to bring back four other players using exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) tenders worth roughly $1.075 million each. Those players include Devon Key, Dondrea Tillman, Tyler Badie, and Jordan Jackson.

Among them, Key earned All-Pro recognition on special teams, while Tillman has recorded 9 sacks over the past two seasons. By retaining these players on inexpensive deals, the Broncos appear focused on preserving roster depth while maintaining financial flexibility heading into free agency.

Still, the potential departure of Krull raises an important question. In Sean Payton’s offensive philosophy, the “joker” role — a versatile weapon capable of lining up across the formation and creating mismatches — has long been considered a critical component. Denver has been searching for the right player to fill that role, and Krull was once viewed as a potential candidate to develop into that piece.

During his time with the Broncos, Krull appeared in 23 games with seven starts, recording 29 receptions for 262 yards and one touchdown. While he never fully broke out, he remained one of the more experienced tight ends on the roster and a player familiar with Payton’s system.

By choosing not to tender Krull, the Broncos may be signaling that they intend to pursue other options at the position, potentially through the NFL Draft or the free agent market. However, until the team identifies a clear solution, letting a known option walk away has naturally sparked debate.

In an offseason where the Broncos are trying to reshape their roster and build toward future success, every personnel decision carries weight. And in the case of Lucas Krull, one question remains: are the Broncos taking a risk by letting go of a familiar piece before securing a clear replacement?