Broncos coach Sean Payton remains committed to key position group

The Denver Broncos had one of the worst special teams units in the NFL when Sean Payton arrived in 2023. Now they have one of the best.

Payton's staff has brought in key additions on special teams, making changes at kicker, punter, long snapper, returner and the gunner positions in recent seasons. The Broncos signed cornerback Tremon Smith in 2023 primarily to play on special teams, and he helped Denver pin opponents deep inside their own territory over the last two seasons.

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Smith left in free agency this spring to return to the Houston Texans, but the Broncos signed safety Sam Franklin and wide receiver Trent Sherfield, two players who figure to be key contributors in the kicking game.

“We felt like it was important," Payton said of addressing special teams. "After the 2023 season, one quick way to improve your team — we were near the bottom of the league in 2022 in special teams. So very quickly [during] the last two years, it’s been the opposite. That emphasis — it’s easy to say, ‘We want to get better in the kicking game,’ but you have to commit to that. I’ve worked with Darren [Rizzi] before, and that will still be a priority for us.”

Franklin joined a crowded safety room that includes P.J. Locke, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith and Delarrin Turner-Yell among the defensive backs competing for playing time behind starters Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga. The players competing for a spot on the active roster can separate themselves from the pack in the kicking game.

“I say this -- the quickest way [to the 53-man roster] is special teams," Payton said. "It’s hard to be safety [number] three or four and not be a contributor [on special teams]. So I think that will be really important.”