The Denver Broncos have been fielding questions about their linebacking situation lately, with a couple of key players about to enter free agency. Those questions will diminish now with the news that Justin Strnad has been re-signed to a three-year deal, according to Luca Evans of the Denver Post, with the reported terms being three years for $18 million and $10 million of that money guaranteed at signing.
Strnad is yet another one of those Denver defensive players who has risen up through the Broncos system despite low initial expectations. He was a fifth round pick in the 2020 draft, and while he’s basically used as a fill-in, his stats are still impressive.
Last year was his breakout year as he subbed in for linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton, and in the last two seasons he’s racked up 58 tackles and an interception in 17 games. Strnad has also become one of many Denver weapons in blitz packages, adding 4.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits.
GM George Paton fielded questions about Strnad and Singleton at the recent NFL combine, and he made it clear the Broncos are looking to retain both of them.
"We’d love to have them back, regardless of what’s in the draft," Paton said in Indianapolis, then. "We see those guys as Broncos. If we let those guys leave, what are we doing?"
That last question will now be asked about Singleton, however, and this move could mean the end for either him or Greenlaw. Cutting Greenlaw would save the Broncos $6 million in cap money, and Greenlaw’s first season was marred by both injuries and a one-game suspension after he returned to the lineup.
Strnad was unambiguous about his future in Denver or beyond, however. He signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal last year, and now betting on himself as paid off given that he sees himself as a future starter in the NFL.
"I mean, to be honest — I don’t think I would be back here if it’s not in a starter role," Strnad said in late January.
He’ll now be making good money for an inside linebacker, which likely means he’ll be a starter after five seasons as a productive, reliable reserve. Singleton gave Strnad the thumbs up in that regard after he had to miss games this season due to surgery for testicular cancer.
"Well, he started the last two years, so I think he’s a starter," Singleton said. "It’s funny, he’s kind of in the exact same boat I was when I left Philly or my first year here. Reporters asked me the same question, ‘do I think I’m a starter? And I’m like, 'Well I started 20 games.'
"He is that guy. He deserves everything he can. Anyone who watches tape or whatever, I think he’s as good as the top-paid guys in the NFL."
The clock is now ticking on a new deal for Singleton and/or Greenlaw with the new league year starting Wednesday, so that’s now the new version of the Broncos’ ongoing linebacker watch.