Broncos Praised for 'Win Now' Approach to Free Agency

The Athletic's Jordan Rodrique put the Denver Broncos at the top of a list of "Win Now" teams following the 1st week of free agency.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:56am

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Despite not signing any outside free agents, the Denver Broncos have been praised for their "win now" approach by retaining 13 of their own free agents from the 2025 roster. The Broncos' roster completeness, top defense, offensive line, and continued emergence of quarterback Bo Nix have put them in the realm of legitimate Super Bowl contenders, according to The Athletic's Jordan Rodrique.

Why it matters

The Broncos' strategy of re-signing their own players rather than pursuing outside free agents has been viewed as a bold "win now" move, as they believe their developing players are better suited to their needs than available free agents. This approach aims to build on the team's strengths and maintain roster continuity, which could pay off in their quest for a Super Bowl championship.

The details

The Broncos re-signed 13 of their own free agents, including backup inside linebacker Justin Strnad to a 3-year, $18 million contract with $10 million guaranteed. Strnad has been a valuable depth piece, starting 8 games in each of the last two seasons when starters Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw missed time due to injuries. With their roster largely intact, the Broncos are now expected to focus their attention on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they could look to address the defensive line by selecting Florida's Caleb Banks in the first round.

  • The Broncos re-signed Justin Strnad to a 3-year, $18 million contract on March 8, 2026, just one day before the start of free agency.
  • The Athletic's article praising the Broncos' "win now" approach was published on March 16, 2026.

The players

Justin Strnad

A backup inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos who has been a valuable depth piece, starting 8 games in each of the last two seasons when starters Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw missed time due to injuries.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback whose continued emergence has contributed to the team's status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Caleb Banks

A 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle from the University of Florida who is projected to be selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Plot twist! A team that has so far signed zero external free agents this spring is in this category. They did agree to terms with their own players — 13 of them, through the first few days of free agency. The Broncos are here because of their roster completeness, from their top defense and offensive line to the continued emergence of quarterback Bo Nix (when healthy), and because their roster floor is so high, even with needs such as defensive line depth. They have also openly called their shot: that they like their developing players more than whoever was available in free agency. The Broncos act as though they belong in this bucket. We'll see if it works out for them.”

— Jordan Rodrique, The Athletic (The Athletic)

“The Broncos are bringing back a key member of their defense. 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.”

— James Palmer (X (Twitter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.