Devon Key

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		34	—	1	61
2025		17	0	1	28
2024		17	0	0	33
2023		1

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Among S contracts at this AAV tier, Devon Key earns a D+ Contract Value Index. The grade reflects the fundamental mismatch between his $1.075M salary and a performance profile that doesn't justify premium allocation—even at this modest cap hit, you're paying for depth and special teams reliability rather than meaningful secondary production. His 2025 season: 28 tackles, 17 games demonstrates competent availability without the interception rate or pass deflection volume that elevates safeties into starter-tier value territory. At 28 years old with five seasons played, Key occupies that crowded veteran role-player space where consistent work ethic doesn't translate to favorable contract economics; the exclusive rights free agent mechanism itself signals he had limited market leverage heading into 2026. The Broncos' retention of him aligns with the mediaFraming—quiet organizational respect for his special teams acumen and rotational value—but the CVI penalizes contracts that rely on depth contributions rather than starter-caliber production, keeping this deal in the below-average range despite the team's clear confidence in his continuity. At one year and $1.075M with no guaranteed money burden, the contract poses minimal cap risk, though it represents the kind of low-cost depth retention that wins locker rooms without winning value assessments.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Devon's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Devon Key's tape and counting stats together earn a D performance grade. The 28-year-old safety recorded 28 tackles across 17 games in the 2025 season, a modest tally that reflects his depth-piece role rather than any meaningful impact on Denver's pass defense. His statistical profile—zero interceptions and a single pass deflection over two seasons—underscores his limitations as a coverage defender, which explains why the Broncos view him as a reliable rotational contributor rather than a cornerstone safety. What Key does offer is durability; his full 17-game appearance signals the organization values his consistency and availability, qualities that matter most in a reserve role and special teams assignment. As a five-year veteran entering his age-28 season, he occupies that middle ground between rotational depth and expendable backup—skilled enough to earn organizational confidence (reflected in Denver's decision to re-sign him on an exclusive rights deal) but lacking the playmaking ability to elevate Denver's secondary during high-leverage moments. The D grade appropriately captures his standing: a dependable backup whose value lies in his work ethic and defensive continuity rather than splash plays or coverage excellence.

How Devon Compares at the Position

Devon Key ranks 159th of 196 graded safeties by performance. That slots Devon between Lathan Ransom (D) just ahead and Terrell Burgess (D) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Devon Key carries an A- sentiment grade heading into 2026, reflecting the quiet respect he's earned as a reliable contributor in Denver's defensive ecosystem. The Broncos' decision to retain him on an exclusive rights free agent deal worth $1.075 million signals organizational confidence in his value, particularly as a special teams ace who provides steady depth at safety. While his modest statistical profile—zero interceptions and just one pass deflection across two seasons—keeps him from generating significant media buzz, the consistent framing around his re-signing suggests the coaching staff views him as an integral piece of their defensive unit rather than expendable depth. Key occupies that valuable middle ground where he's respected by the organization for his reliability and work ethic, even if he lacks the flashy playmaking ability that drives national headlines. The Broncos clearly see him as a solid starter-level contributor who brings stability to both special teams and the secondary rotation, earning him the kind of quiet organizational endorsement that translates to job security in a results-driven league.