Devon Key turned on the tape.

The Broncos special teams ace, despite earning first-team All-Pro honors last season, didn’t always like what showed up on film.

“On the special teams side of things, there were plays out there that I know I could have made, that I’m going to make this year,” Key told The Denver Gazette following recent organized team activities (OTAs) at Broncos Park. “Last year was my second year active. So, it’s just building and learning from year to year. That’s going to elevate my game.”

That elevation might include a larger role on defense in 2026.

The Broncos have a vacancy at third safety — behind starters Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga — after P.J. Locke signed with the Cowboys in free agency. Key is a strong candidate to help replace those snaps. He set a franchise record last season with 26 special teams tackles.

But the role won’t be simply handed to Key. The Broncos return depth safety JL Skinner, another special teams standout. They also selected Illinois safety Miles Scott with a seventh-round pick in the draft. How does it all impact Key’s mindset?

“I don’t think it really changes,” Key told The Denver Gazette. “I always attack each offseason. I’ve got to earn my spot, whether that’s on defense as that third or fourth safety or whether it’s on special teams. Whatever the team needs, I’m willing to do it.”

Key described Jones and Hufanga as “great leaders” whose trust provides confidence when transitioning from special teams to defense. Key said: “I always want to be the guy to go out there and have my teammates trust me — whether that’s in the locker room or we’re going to a restaurant.”

That group now includes Dane Key — an undrafted rookie free agent (Nebraska) who signed with the Broncos — and the younger brother of Devon. They grew up together in Lexington, Ky., and have reunited in Denver as NFL teammates. Dane previously told The Denver Gazette he was “so excited” for the opportunity.

“I’m six years older than him, so we were never able to be on the same team. We were able to train together and everything. But that was it,” Devon Key said. “At younger stages, it was always hard because he wanted to tag along. I’m like: ‘Dude, you go play with your friends. I’ve got mine.’ Now, our bond is super tight. We’re at the age where we can do everything together.

“It’s cool.”