The Denver Broncos are making their final preparations for the 2026 draft, with Round 1 on April 23, and Dondrea Tillman is part of that plan.
Tillman has notably been part of the Broncos’ plan since the offseason began.
That is despite a resolution not coming until Monday. Entering his third NFL season, he has become a valued contributor at a position of great value. The 2026 campaign has set up as a critical one for the former UFL star.
Broncos’ Dondrea Tillman Signs Tender
GettyDondrea Tillman #99 of the Birmingham Stallions celebrates on the field after winning the championship.
“Do-it-all OLB Dondrea Tillman is signing his one-year exclusive rights tender with #Broncos today per source,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on April 20.
Tillman, who turns 28 on April 30, had 4.0 sacks in 2025, which marked a step down from his 5.0-sack rookie campaign in 2024. Despite his slight regression in sacks, Tillman recorded 2 interceptions, displaying his play-making ability in other ways.
Tillman’s success should come as little surprise.
He was a three-time champion with the Birmingham Stallions, winning titles in 2022 and 2023 in the USFL and in 2024 in the UFL.
“Drafted in 2022 to the Stallions, Tillman returned for his second season under head coach Skip Holtz, starting in all 10 regular season games, leading the team in sacks with four on the season (22 sack yards), good for T-10th in the league,” the Stallions wrote in June 2024.
“In the postseason, Tillman continued to be a strong defensive force, recording seven total tackles, four occurring in the USFL Conference Championship game against Michigan. Against the Brahmas during the UFL Championship game, he recorded three tackles and one pass deflection to help the Stallions win their third straight championship.”
Tillman was all but certain to sign the tender the Broncos placed on him.
The deadline for restricted free agents to negotiate with other teams expired on April 17, leaving him with signing the tender or not playing, barring the Broncos pulling the offer.
As things stand, Tillman will once again fill in off the Broncos’ bench behind starting outside linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto for what was the NFL’s second-ranked defense overall during the 2025 regular season.
Dondrea Tillman Among Top Defensive Subs
GettyJames Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball against Dondrea Tillman #92 of the Denver Broncos defends during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Tillman ranked sixth in sacks and pressures for the Broncos in 2025, tying for fifth and ranking sixth, respectively, in 2024. The Broncos led the league in sacks during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Tillman ranks second behind teammate Jonah Elliss in defensive snaps among non-starters in that span, per Stathead.
Elliss and Tillman ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, in games played among that group.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a critical campaign for Tillman, who will be an RFA again in 2027. The Broncos have decided to shift Elliss to inside linebacker, but are moving oft-injured former third-round pick Drew Sanders back to the edge.
That sets up a different dynamic for Tillman, who could be the primary EDGE off the bench, much in the way Malcolm Roach has been the self-proclaimed “sixth man” at tackle.
If Tillman delivers, he could secure himself a handsome payday, even if not from the Broncos.
‘Do-It-All’ Playmaker Signs Broncos Contract Before Draft