The Denver Broncos made great strides to keep the nucleus of the team intact this offseason, re-signing a surprising number of players to new deals. But the team did have to make the tough decision to cut linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Broncos Country seems to have mixed feelings regarding this move, with some fans understanding that Greenlaw's injury history just does not bode well for the future, while other fans would have liked to see him get at least one more season with the team. Greenlaw has since signed back with the San Francisco 49ers.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton, just before discussing that third-year linebacker Jonah Elliss will get a look on the inside in 2026, talked about the decision to release Greenlaw.
"That was a tough one. Here's why, he's so passionate. I would say in my career as a coach, I've been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game. I'm always disappointed internally if that didn't work out. Because I love that player, I love how he competes, I love all the things he brings, and you feel somewhat responsible when it doesn't work out", said Payton.
Broncos could have major need at inside linebacker position
The Broncos did re-sign both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, but at least one of them should be pushed for the starting position. Strnad has never been a full-time starter in his career and though he's been a nice fill-in, the Broncos need more depth at this position.
The idea to move Elliss to the inside is interesting and if that works out and/or the team gets something out of Drew Sanders this coming season, they might be just fine. But if there are injury issues with any of these players, the group gets very thin very quickly.
The Broncos are going to have to consider adding another veteran or using one of their Day 2 draft picks to get another inside linebacker. When you consider all of that, there is a strong argument that the team should have just held onto Greenlaw for one more season.
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However, that decision has been made and though it seems like it was a tough one for Payton and the front office to make, reinforcements will need to be identified soon.
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