Broncos' First-Round Target Becomes Clear After Greenlaw Release

Denver's starting linebacker duo of Singleton and Strnad is underwhelming, making Georgia's CJ Allen a likely first-round pick.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos have released linebacker Dre Greenlaw after just one season, leaving them with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad as their starting inside linebackers heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. This move has made Georgia linebacker CJ Allen the clear first-round target for the Broncos, as he is an aggressive, athletic defender who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage.

Why it matters

The Broncos' decision to release Greenlaw leaves them with a glaring need at linebacker that must be addressed in the upcoming draft. Allen is viewed as a potential plug-and-play starter who could immediately upgrade Denver's defense.

The details

Greenlaw, one of the Broncos' big free agent signings last offseason, is out after just one year due to his inability to stay healthy. With Singleton and Strnad now penciled in as the starters, the Broncos have a clear need at the position. Allen, a consensus All-American at Georgia, is an aggressive defender who excels against the run and in pass coverage, making him an ideal fit for Denver's defense.

  • The Broncos released Dre Greenlaw on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

CJ Allen

A linebacker from the University of Georgia who is viewed as a potential first-round pick for the Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Alex Singleton

A linebacker who the Broncos re-signed this offseason and is expected to be a starter in 2026.

Justin Strnad

A linebacker who the Broncos re-signed this offseason and is expected to be a starter in 2026.

Dre Greenlaw

A linebacker the Broncos signed in free agency last offseason, but released on March 9, 2026 due to his inability to stay healthy.

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What they’re saying

“There is one player who has come up in multiple mock drafts for the Broncos this offseason, and now, he should come up even more. That player is Georgia linebacker CJ Allen.”

— Travis Wakeman, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Broncos will have to determine if CJ Allen is still available when they pick at No. 30 in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. If he is, he is expected to be the team's selection to address their need at linebacker.

The takeaway

The Broncos' decision to release Dre Greenlaw has made their first-round draft plans crystal clear - they need to find a starting-caliber linebacker, and Georgia's CJ Allen appears to be the top target to fill that void.