The Denver Broncos have made their first big move of free agency.
Last month, we put out a list of the team's in-house free agents, ranking them in order of importance to the team in 2026. The No.1 player on that list was linebacker Justin Strnad and he is the first player on that list to get a new contract before free agency kicks off this coming week.
According to NFL insider James Palmer, the Broncos and Strnad have agreed to a new three-year deal worth $18 million with $10 million guaranteed. This is a huge deal for Strnad, who appeared done with Denver ahead of the 2024 season. That offseason, he agreed to a contract with the Carolina Panthers before changing his mind and signing a one-year deal to return to Denver. Last year, he signed another one-year deal and it seems that after the 2025 season, in which he filled in extensively while both Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton missed time, he has finally proven himself.
The 2020 fifth-round pick has finally earned a long-term deal.
Where does Justin Strnad's new contract leave Alex Singleton?
Alex Singleton has been the Broncos' leading tackler in three of his four seasons with the team. He likely would have held that honor in 2024 as well had he not torn his ACL early on in that season.
He has also become a huge fan favorite after a cancer scare during the 2025 season. The Broncos could still be interested in bringing him back for another season, but he is 32 years old and the team needs to get better overall at inside linebacker. With the shaky injury history of Greenlaw, the team may need to look outside the organization for that answer.
Prioritizing the re-signing of Strnad was the right move. He's younger than Singleton and could be brought back for less money. Singleton has also struggled against the pass and the Broncos could look for an upgrade for that reason alone.
Philadelphia Eagles free agent Nakobe Dean makes a lot of sense.
FREE AGENCY 2026: Broncos Free Agency: Team's big board heading into 2026 signing period
The official free-agent signing period begins on Wednesday, though teams can begin negotiations on Monday, when the league allows a legal tampering period. Look for the Broncos to be aggressive in a search for a new inside linebacker, such as Dean. If a deal doesn't come to fruition, then Singleton may be the Broncos' backup plan.
More Broncos News
Broncos won't make a drastic move along offensive line before free agency after all
Broncos predicted to be shut out on big-name running backs in free agency
Broncos' reported interest in free-agent wide receiver will be underwhelming to fans
Recent A.J. Brown rumor should take Broncos completely out of trade talks with Eagles
Which Broncos player should accept Logan Paul's $1 million challenge?