Denver Broncos wrap up Week 2 of OTAs with Sean Payton extension

The Denver Broncos held their final practice for Week 2 of OTAs on Thursday ahead of mandatory minicamp next week, and we got to watch as Sean Payton was rewarded with a five-year extension.

Denver Broncos put finishing touches on Week 2 of OTAs + standouts

Thursday’s OTA practice sets the stage for next week’s minicamp, where Bo Nix will be back on the football field in some participatory fashion. Nix was present and observing practice on Thursday in a ballcap and shorts, but was a non-participant as Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger shared offensive snaps once again.

Prior to practice, Nix did some walkthrough items with the team, which sets things up for him to be throwing in individual and group work next week as an anticipated limited participant, which means we won’t likely see him throw during 7-on-7 or team next week.

My thoughts from today’s Broncos OTAs.

Have seen a lot of Evan Engram these last two Thursday practices. Bo Nix is doing walkthroughs and we’ll see him next week + Sean Payton is getting five more years added to his deal! pic.twitter.com/XtAf4OISzT

— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) June 11, 2026

Keep in mind that these practices feature no pads or contact, which makes certain positions and groups hard to evaluate.

Ehlinger stood out for the second consecutive Thursday we’ve had a chance to observe, and was sharp most of the afternoon, and wasn’t afraid to pull the trigger on attacking downfield.

In 7-on-7, Ehlinger found Evan Engram for a decent gain, then he fired a shot down the sideline to undrafted rookie wide receiver Dane Key, the brother of Devon Key, for a big gain on a red-line throw. Ehlinger then hit Courtland Sutton for a big gain and then found Kolbe Katsis for another big play through the air.

The hot streak for Ehlinger continued in separate team periods, with him finding Engram, Nate Adkins, Marvin Mims, Joseph Manjack, and Key again for a 20+ yard gain.

Jarrett Stidham was solid on the day as well, taking what the defense gave him and even getting off a couple of tough passes against the blitz and finding Pat Bryant.

Engram was once again heavily featured as a target in the passing game from Stidham and Ehlinger, which continues to be a promising sign for an increase in usage this upcoming season, especially with Davis Webb calling plays.

Broncos defensive standouts on Thursday

Broncos defensive end Zach Allen wasn’t shy about saying that the goal for the pass rush this season is to break the NFL sack record after they fell four sacks shy of tying it last season. For two straight years, the Broncos have led the entire league in sacks by a wide margin and have set franchise records in back-to-back seasons.

The last time we spoke to Allen, it was unclear whether or not defensive coordinator Vance Joseph would be getting a head coaching job elsewhere. With Joseph...