Devon Key Earned First-Team All-Pro and Now He's Coming For a Starting Spot

Alright, let's talk real football for a sec, beyond the flash and the headlines. We're all fired up for the 2026 season, right? Building that roster is everything. And while the wide receiver battles or defensive end plays usually grab all the hype, Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton is out here dropping hints that he's "anxious" about something else entirely: their safety competition. Seriously, he's "anxious" to watch it unfold in training camp next month. He straight-up said it on June 17, and you know when a coach says he's "anxious" about camp, he means business.

The Injury Ripple Effect and a Contract Year Bomb

Payton explained the whole situation, saying, "I think it will be easier to answer that as we get into camp. We have a number of guys returning, guys playing in different roles. We've added some people. It's an important piece in our defense relative to what we ask them to do. I think I'm anxious to see." That tells you everything you need to know about how critical this position is to his defensive scheme. Right now, Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones are penciled in as starters for 2026. But here's the kicker: Jones is coming off a season-ending pectoral injury. Not only that, he's in a contract year and set to hit unrestricted free agency next March. That's a huge pressure cooker, man. His injury even forced some moves. The Broncos grabbed former Bengals safety and special teams ace Tycen Anderson in free agency, a direct response to Jones's situation, according to Payton. Plus, they already lost safety P.J. Locke to the Dallas Cowboys in March. Payton was real candid about the domino effect: "The

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

immediate impact is it goes to [Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Darren] Rizzi because there’s someone now that’s going to play a bigger role on the defense that may have been playing a role on special teams. It’s always interesting to watch the performance of a player who is playing more on offense and defense, and then how does he still handle the special teams role." It’s just how the league works with injuries, he said, but it means other guys get experience and the team gets "more seasoned."

The Special Teams All-Pro Who Could Shock Everyone

Now, while everyone's focused on the expected names, there's a serious darkhorse in this race for safety superiority: Devon Key. This dude, an undrafted free agent, is entering his fifth year with the organization, and he just had a breakout season that put him on the map. We're talking first-team All-Pro honors for his stellar special teams work! Think about that for a second. An All-Pro special teamer? That's not just a footnote, that's a signal. Other guys like seventh-round rookie Miles Scott and returning veteran JL Skinner are also pushing for playing time, but Key's All-Pro status makes him the most intriguing story. Can that elite special teams play translate into a bigger defensive role? So, as we gear up for camp next month, keep your eyes peeled. This safety battle is going to be fierce. With Brandon Jones's contract situation and injury, Payton's anxiety is justified. But for us fans, it means an electrifying competition to watch and a chance for someone like Devon Key to truly break out. It's all about building that depth, and this fight is crucial for how the Broncos' defense looks all season. Get ready, football season is coming!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.