Justin Strnad
Getty
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad.
The Denver Broncos didn’t get to the top of the mountain when it comes to NFL defenses by letting top-flight talent walk out the door when they can find ways to keep them in the fold — and that doesn’t just include the top-billed starters.
The Broncos made a major move to keep their defense elite by signing veteran inside linebacker Justin Strnad to a 3-year, $18 million contract on Sunday — a deal that includes $10 million guaranteed.
“TheBroncos are bringing back a key member of their defense,” The Athletic’s James Palmer wrote on his official X account on Sunday. “LB Justin Strnad is returning to Denver on a 3-year deal worth 18 million with 10 million guaranteed. 5.1 million is guaranteed at signing per sources. A smart player that had options elsewhere.”
Strnad, 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, has been invaluable the last 2 years with starter Alex Singleton missing time to injuries both years and highly-priced free agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw missing 9 games due to injuries and suspension in 2025.
The deal for Strnad comes just 1 day before free agency begins.
“Denver is doing work before free agency to keep their guys,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote.
“With Justin Strnad back in the fold on a three-year, $18 million deal, interesting to see what happens with Alex Singleton the rest of today and also ILB Dre Greenlaw (under contract),” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote. “Could pay all three and run it back, but no guarantee.”
From 5th Round Pick to Payday in 2026
As the Broncos’ profile has skyrocketed the last 2 years as they’ve become 1 of the AFC’s best teams, Strnad’s profile has risen along with it.
Drafted in the 5th round (No. 178 overall) out of Wake Forest in the 2020 NFL draft, Strand missed his entire rookie season with a wrist injury suffered in training camp.
Since then, he’s been one of the most durable players on the roster, playing in 85 out of a possible 87 regular-season and postseason games since 2021.
While Strnad started 5 games in 2021, he didn’t start another game until 2024, but he’s started 8 games each of the last 2 seasons. He had career highs of 73 tackles, 8 TFL, 3.0 sacks, and 3 pass deflections in 2024 as the Broncos snapped an 8-year playoff drought.
In 2025, Strnad had 58 tackles to go with 4.5 sacks, 5 TFL, 8 QB hits, 3 pass deflections, and his 1st career interception.
What Does Justin Strnad’s Signing Mean for Lineup?
With veteran linebacker Alex Singleton also headed toward free agency, there might be some question as to if the Broncos plan to sign both Singleton and Strnad. Vic Fangio’s defense only employs 2 starting inside linebackers, and Greenlaw is under contract for 2 more years.
“One of the things Strnad stated in end of year scrum was that he wanted to be a starter — have to think he is one after this deal,” Locked on Broncos podcast host Cody Roark wrote on his official X account on Sunday. “Biggest question now is what will Broncos do. If they re-sign Alex Singleton, what does that mean for Dre Greenlaw?”