The Denver Broncos have some work to do this offseason when it comes to addressing a few key positions on both sides of the ball.
While running back and tight end on the offensive side are big needs, defensively, the linebacker room needs some help. Dre Greenlaw is under contract, but the Broncos are losing two key veterans to free agency.
At least, that was supposed to be the case. Instead, according to James Palmer of The Athletic, the Broncos are re-signing veteran linebacker Justin Strnad to an $18 million contract over the next three seasons, getting out in front of free agency.
Broncos re-sign Justin Strnad to $18M deal
"The Broncos are bringing back a key member of their defense. LB Justin Strnad is returning to Denver on a 3-year deal worth 18 million with 10 million guaranteed," Palmer reports. "5.1 million is guaranteed at signing, per sources. A smart player that had options elsewhere."
While free agency hasn't officially begun, Strnad, a 29-year-old veteran linebacker, would've likely found a few landing spots this offseason had he hit the open market.
But, instead of landing in free agency and being pursued by other teams, Strnad and the Broncos are in agreement on an $18 million, three-year deal.
This signing likely means that Alex Singleton will leave in free agency. With a great linebacker draft class, the Broncos should look to use a draft pick on a rookie linebacker to pair with Strnad and Greenlaw instead of spending even more on Singleton.
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Strnad has played in 83 games and made 21 starts over his five-year Broncos career. This past season, he made eight starts, recording one interception, three passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hits, all of which were career highs.
He also had 58 total tackles and five tackles for loss for an all-around strong year for the 29-year-old linebacker.
Wild Strnad might not be playing 60% of the snaps on defense, but his production is more than reason enough for the Broncos to spend $6 million per-year on him.
This is a nice re-signing for the Broncos, as Strnad coming back on a reasonable three-year deal resolves one issue the Broncos had to solve this offseason.
Now, Sean Payton and George Paton can focus on the running back and tight end rooms as they look to land more playmakers for an offense in dire need of explosive weapons for Bo Nix and company.
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