Dondrea Tillman

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		29	64	9.0	2
2025		17	41	4.0	2
2024		12	23	5.0	0

Updated Jun 19, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Dondrea Tillman's Contract Value Index lands at B-, putting the deal in a defined slice of comparable signings. At $1.075M AAV on a one-year ERFA tender, the Broncos have locked in a rotational linebacker at a price that aligns squarely with his production tier and roster role—his 2025 season yielded 41 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions across all 17 games, including a pick-six that briefly flickered across highlight reels, but those flashes sit beneath the consistency threshold needed for a premium contract. The CVI reflects what the mediaFraming confirms: this is routine roster maintenance, not a statement investment. At 28 years old in his second season as a depth contributor, Tillman fits the organizational mold of a controlled-cost complementary defender—the one-year structure carries zero future cap burden and preserves flexibility if his rotational role shifts or performance dips. Denver's recent activity around secondary and tight end depth, combined with the hire of Sean Payton as head coach, signals a team refocusing its investment priorities; Tillman's retention is exactly what it appears to be: a cheap, low-leverage keep of a backup linebacker who provides occasional production without commanding premium dollars or draft capital.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

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

Performance Analysis

Dondrea Tillman is a second-year linebacker for Denver with 29 career games under his belt who remains very much a work in progress at age 28. Operating primarily as a reserve and occasional starter, he carries a current-season grade of D+, a significant dip from his C-rated 2024 campaign that warrants attention. His trajectory suggests a developmental player still searching for consistency rather than an established NFL contributor. Tillman's tackle production sits slightly above the league average at 2.41 per game versus the NFL mean of 2.19, indicating solid baseline activity in run defense. His pass-rush metrics are comparatively strong, registering 0.24 sacks per game—well above the 0.15 league average—suggesting he possesses genuine edge pursuit. However, his tackle-for-loss rate of 0.15 per game trails the NFL average of 0.27, revealing a notable gap in disruption ability and finishing at the point of attack where elite linebackers thrive. Tillman's ability to generate pressures and create disruption in the backfield represents his most encouraging trait, yet his inconsistent season-to-season performance and mounting role uncertainty paint a cautious picture heading forward. The Denver staff must determine whether his 2025 slide reflects scheme fit, diminished snap allocation, or genuine regression before committing additional resources. Watch for increased defensive snaps and a return to 2024 form as the litmus test for whether Tillman can stabilize as a viable backup or develop into starter-caliber depth.

How Dondrea Compares at the Position

Dondrea Tillman ranks 148th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Dondrea between Mike Green (C) just ahead and Joseph Vaughn (C) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Broncos re-sign Tillman to exclusive-rights deal—solid depth retention move. Multiple outlets highlight him as poised for breakout year three performance. Contract structure suggests confidence in rotational edge rusher development trajectory. Fans view signing as prudent roster continuity rather than headline-grabbing upgrade. Expect increased snaps in 2026 if injury circumstances align favorably.