Locke heads to Dallas after a Broncos departure, while Ehlinger lands back in Denver. Texas talent makes significant NFL moves.
Ex-Longhorn P.J. Locke will return to Texas with the Dallas Cowboys after signing a one-year, $5 million deal on Tuesday
This will be the 29-year-old's second team, after spending his first six seasons as a member of the Denver Broncos.
"Broncos Country, For the past 7 years you guys have made Denver feel like home for my family and I," Locke said Tuesday on X. "Things didn’t work out business wise, but just know you guys hold a very very special place in my heart that I can’t put into words. From the coaches, front office, friends, teammates and all the other relationships that were built."
"We love you guys and wish the best of luck to everyone."
Locke has been a consistent piece of the Denver defense, playing 90 total games for the team over his six seasons, including a more consistent starting role in 2023 and 2024.
The 5-10, 202-pound safety has recorded 174 total tackles, four sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception during his NFL tenure.
Locke's low-risk deal, paired with the Cowboys' signing former Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal (up to $36 million), shows their intention to use him as more of a depth piece rather than a starter.
But god forbid Thompson gets injured, Locke immediately becomes an important player for the Dallas defense.
As a Longhorn, Locke was a general in the secondary, recording 163 total tackles, 15 passes defended, 11 tackles for loss and three interceptions during his four years on the 40 Acres.
The Cowboys are hoping he can regain some of that college form with the star on his helmet.
Ehlinger Returns to Denver
Ex-Longhorn quarterback Sam Ehlinger inked a one-year, $2 million deal to stay with the Denver Broncos on Monday.
After being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Ehlinger played four seasons for them, getting run in seven games, including three starts.
After that, he signed for the Broncos in 2025, acting as their emergency third-string QB for most of the season.
After starter Bo Nix was hurt in Denver's Divisional Round playoff matchup, Ehlinger moved up to the backup role for the AFC Championship game, but did not enter the game.
Unless the Jarrett Stidham trade rumors come to life, the former Longhorn will once again operate as the third-string QB for the Broncos.