Broncos Seek Top Inside Linebacker in Offseason

Denver has less cap space this year, but still needs to address key defensive position.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Despite having less salary cap space this offseason compared to last year, the Denver Broncos are expected to prioritize finding a top inside linebacker to anchor their defense. With key free agents Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad set to hit the open market, and the future of Dre Greenlaw uncertain due to injury issues, the Broncos have a significant need at the position.

Why it matters

The inside linebacker position has been a weakness for the Broncos in recent seasons, and upgrading there could be crucial to improving their defense and competing in the AFC West. With several top free agent and draft prospects available, the Broncos have an opportunity to find an elite player to solidify the middle of their defense.

The details

The Broncos have $28.9 million in salary cap space this offseason, about one-third less than they had at this time last year. Despite this, they are expected to be 'opportunistically aggressive' in free agency to address key needs, including inside linebacker. Top free agent options include Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, and Alex Anzalone, while the draft offers prospects like C.J. Allen, Arvell Reese, and Anthony Hill. The Broncos must decide whether to re-sign Singleton and Strnad, or potentially move on from the injury-prone Greenlaw to free up resources for a new starter.

  • The NFL free agency period begins in less than three weeks on March 15, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Alex Singleton

A free agent inside linebacker who led the Broncos in tackles last season.

Justin Strnad

A free agent inside linebacker who served as a key backup and special teams contributor for the Broncos.

Dre Greenlaw

An inside linebacker under contract with the Broncos, but has struggled with injuries over the past three seasons.

Devin Lloyd

A free agent inside linebacker who had 5 interceptions, including a 99-yard pick-six of Patrick Mahomes, for the Jaguars last season.

C.J. Allen

A top inside linebacker prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“In terms of free agency, I always look at it as... I get a little worried about just the pure phrase of 'aggressive,' because you can be aggressive, but you want to do it in a smart way.”

— Greg Penner, Broncos Owner (9news.com)

“We'll be willing to spend if we see a player that we think is going to add a lot of value here. We'll definitely take an aggressive approach, but we're also not just going to bring in somebody that's not right for this locker room. There'll be a lot of factors that we consider. I'd say we'll be opportunistically aggressive.”

— Greg Penner, Broncos Owner (9news.com)

What’s next

The Broncos will need to make a decision on Dre Greenlaw's contract by March 15, 2026, when $2 million of his $9 million 2026 salary becomes guaranteed.

The takeaway

The Broncos' limited salary cap space this offseason means they will need to be strategic in their approach to free agency, but finding an elite inside linebacker remains a top priority as they look to improve their defense and compete in the AFC West.