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Broncos lead NFL with highest percentage of returning players in 2025

By Kyle Fredrickson July 11, 2025 | updated 3 weeks ago

Minicamp

Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up with the rest of the team during Broncos Mini Camp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Stephen Swofford

The unofficial Broncos’ mantra in 2025: Run it back.

Denver opens training camp in two weeks with the highest percentage of returning players in the NFL — 86% (per overthecap.com) — entering Year 3 under Sean Payton. It represents a stark contrast from his previous seasons as head coach.

Just ask him.

“We probably had the most roster turnover in the two years prior,” Payton quipped last month during offseason training activities at Broncos Park. “I think we’re obviously further along with regards to what we’re doing. Now, you still have to turn the gameboard over and start from the beginning in our league. You have to do that.

“We’re not picking up from where we left off.”

But how do the Broncos compare to their AFC West rivals Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers in player retention? Here is a closer look at the roster makeup of all four divisional teams as the 2025 NFL season draws closer.

Denver Broncos

Departures: QB Zach Wilson, LB Cody Barton, CB Tremon Smith, RB Javonte Williams, P Riley Dixon, LB Zach Cunningham, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

Additions: TE Evan Engram, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Sam Franklin, WR Trent Sherfield, RB J.K. Dobbins, S Talanoa Hufanga, QB Sam Ehlinger

Overall rate of return: 86% (No. 1 in NFL)*

Bottom line: The Broncos return their starting offensive line and three top-producing wide receivers from last season. That’s rare continuity to support second-year starting quarterback Bo Nix. But the team must also identify a new starter at running back. The starting defensive line returns, plus outside linebackers and cornerbacks, with some personnel updates down the middle. The small number of major changes suggests the front-office beleves this roster is capable of winning a championship.

Broncos DE Zach Allen ranked No. 90 on NFL’s Top 100 players of 2025 list

Kansas City Chiefs

Departures: LG Joe Thuney, WR DeAndre Hopkins, S Justin Reid, LT D.J. Humphries, OLB Joshua Uche, DL Tershawn Wharton, DL Derrick Nnadi, WR Justin Watson, RB Semaje Perine, WR Mecole Hardman, CB Keith Taylor, K Spencer Shrader

Additions: QB Gardner Minshew, CB Kristian Fulton, DL Jerry Tillery, S Mike Edwards, QB Bailey Zappe, LT Jaylon Moore, OLB Janarius Robinson, RB Elijah Mitchell

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Overall rate of return: 74.6% (No. 12 in NFL)*

Bottom line: KC touts remarkable consistency with three consecutive Super Bowl appearances (winning twice). It is a constant puzzle to surround generational quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the right pieces. He got sacked a career-high 36 times last season. It’s no surprise the Chiefs used free agency and the draft to address the offensive line. Meanwhile, Steve Spagnuolo enters his seventh season as defensive coordinator with several star players re-signed. The Chiefs seem always built to contend.

First glimpse of temporary fan bleachers at Denver Broncos training camp

Los Angeles Chargers

Departures: OLB Joey Bosa, DL Morgan Fox, CB Kristian Fulton, QB Easton Stick, DL Poona Ford, RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Josh Palmer, C Sam Mustipher, OLB Chris Rumph, WR Simi Fehoko, LG Jordan McFadden, LT Foster Sarell, C Brendan Jaimes, LB Nick Niemann, TE Stone Smartt

Additions: WR Mike Williams, QB Trey Lance, C Andre James, TE Tyler Conklin, CB Donte Jackson, RB Najee Harris, RG Mekhi Becton, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, OLB Da’Shawn Hand, CB Benjamin St-Juste, DL Naquan Jones, LB Kana’i Mauga

Overall rate of return: 64.1% (No. 24 in NFL)*

Bottom line: Are the Chargers wasting Justin Herbert’s prime? The 27-year-old quarterback made the playoffs twice (both Wild Card losses) over five NFL seasons. There’s plenty of change ahead in 2025, and notably, two defensive line starters must be replaced. Bringing back Mike Williams should help a somewhat lackluster wide receiver group. The Broncos signing J.K. Dobbins means the Chargers will have a new leading rusher next season, too. It’s hard to tell if LA is ready to turn the corner.

Broncos safety P.J. Locke underwent offseason back surgery detailed in YouTube video

Las Vegas Raiders

Departures: QB Gardner Minshew, C Andre James, S Marcus Epps, LB Robert Spillane, TE Harrison Byrant, DL John Jenkins, RB Alexander Mattison, S Trevon Moehrig, LB Devine Deablo, OLB K’Lavon Chaisson, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., S Amari Burney, CB Nate Hobbs, OLB Janarius Robinson, LB Kana’i Mauga, DL Matthew Butler

Additions: QB Geno Smith, RG Alex Cappa, LB Germaine Pratt, RB Raheem Mostert, S Jeremy Chinn, LB Elandon Roberts, CB Eric Stokes, DL Leki Fotu, TE Ian Thomas, LB Devin White, S Lonne Johnson Jr., WR Collin Johnson, WR Qadir Ismail

Overall rate of return: 62.1% (No. 29 in NFL)*

Bottom line: Pete Carroll returns to NFL head coaching with a big project in the desert. The Raiders have only made the playoffs twice since 2003. They won just four games last season. Reuniting Carroll with starting quarterback Geno Smith might inspire confidence. The Raiders also took big swings in free agency to address defensive lapses and build around four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. But it’s a long climb out from the AFC West basement.

*Data on returning player percentages is provided by overthecap.com.

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Kyle Fredrickson

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