Mile High Report
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Michael Burton has played for seven different NFL franchises in his 10 year NFL career. He has never played more than 22% of his teams offensive snaps, but has always been a contributor on special teams. In 2023 he signed a 1 year deal with the Denver Broncos, and was resigned for the 2024 season. In March of 2025 he signed again for an additional year in Denver.
Michael Burton | Fullback | #20
Age: 33 | Experience: 10th year | College: Rutgers
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 247 pounds
2024 Stats: 7 rushes for 8 yards, 10 receptions for 65 yards, two total touchdowns. 175 offensive snaps, 294 special teams snaps.
Sean Payton’s offense uses a fullback. Michael Burton was that fullback in 2024. He played on 16% of offensive snaps, but 62% of special teams snaps. The Broncos have not brought another fullback in for competition, and while Nate Adkins could fill that spot, Payton also has a history of using a blocking tight end in addition to a full back. So with no obvious competition for his roster spot, and with a long career nearing its completion, Burtons place on the Broncos is obvious.
Last year Burton was cut, practice squadded and elevated for the first two weeks before moving back to the regular roster for the rest of the season. The Broncos could choose to do something similar this year, or could keep him on the roster the whole year. He should be expected to be active every week if healthy, and contribute on both special teams and about ~20% of offensive plays. How good is he at this job is tough to judge – most teams do not employ fullbacks anymore or do so rarely, so its probably the position least enhanced by advanced statistics.
There is some small chance that Denver moves on from Burton. Denver’s tight end room is very full, and much younger. They could decide they rather keep Lucas Krull and use Krull as the fullback. It will not save Denver any significant money to do this, but Burton is the oldest Bronco so you never know when the end might come.
