Dondrea Tillman: Everything you need to know

Tillman signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Broncos on Monday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports. Tillman was a productive part of the 2025 Broncos defense, playing 25 percent or more of the defensive snaps in all 17 regular-season games. The 27-year-old likely will maintain his rotational role for the team heading into the 2026 season on a new $1.075 million contract.

Tillman recorded 41 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and three passes defensed, including two interceptions, across 17 games with Denver in 2025. Tillman recorded career highs in tackles, interceptions and passes defensed in his second season. The 27-year-old linebacker operated in a depth role behind Nik Bonitto (wrist) at right outside linebacker in 2025. Despite the cap on his playing time, Tillman proved to be a difference maker in Denver's formidable defense. The Indiana University of Pennsylvania product is set to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, so the Broncos can choose to keep him in Denver if they extend a qualifying offer this offseason. If not, Tillman will be able to sign with any team in the league.

Tillman recorded three total tackles (one solo) in Sunday's 22-19 win over Kansas City. Tillman maintained his consistent level of production in Week 11, compiling at least three stops for the fifth straight game and seventh time overall this year. The linebacker has seen a slight uptick in workload on special teams in the last few weeks, but he's simultaneously had less opportunities on defense. On the season, he's now up to 26 total tackles (eight solo), including 1.5 sacks, while also adding three passes defensed, two of which are interceptions, over 11 contests.