Broncos get a head start on free agency rush by making an important signing, but it could mean a key player won’t return to Denver
The Denver Broncos aren’t waiting around, they’re taking care of business early.
NFL free agency doesn’t officially start until later this week, but the Denver Broncos got a head start on the process by making a key signing on Sunday.
According to NFL insider James Palmer, the Broncos have agreed to a three-year deal for $18 million with linebacker Justin Strnad.
Palmer reported that the deal includes $10 million in guaranteed money with $5.1 million guaranteed at signing.
Strnad was set to hit free agency after a career-high 4.5 sacks and one interception last season. Instead, he’ll return to Denver, where he’s played since entering the league in 2020.
What’s next for the Denver Broncos?
Denver was wise to lock Strnad down on a team-friendly deal before the start of free agency. $6 million a year for a linebacker that’s played 83 games over the last five seasons is a savvy move by the Broncos.
But what does it mean for linebacker Alex Singleton?
Singleton has spent the last four seasons with the Broncos, and he’s made it clear that he wants to return to Denver.
Strnad, however, was vocal about wanting to return to Denver to be a “regular starter”. He acknowledged that Singleton returning to the Broncos in 2026 would make that difficult.
“Absolutely, I believe so,’’ said Strnad to The Denver Gazette in January about his desire to get a multiyear deal and be a starter. “I hope it works out that way, so we’ll see where it goes.”
“Yeah, I think so, but we’ll see how everything shakes out and kind of go from there,’’ added Strnad when asked if Singleton returning to Denver would make it difficult for him to also return.
It’s hard to imagine that Strnad re-signed with Denver without getting some assurances about his role with the team, which wouldn’t bode well for Singleton’s chances of returning to the Broncos in 2026.
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