Broncos Retain 'Really Good' ILBs Singleton and Strnad

Denver GM George Paton explains decision to keep inside linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad while releasing Dre Greenlaw.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:27pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and action of a football game, with the players and field abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in earthy tones.The Broncos' decision to retain their starting inside linebackers reflects a broader strategy of roster continuity as the team looks to build on its recent success.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos have retained inside linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, signing them to contract extensions at the start of free agency. General manager George Paton cited the duo as 'really good players' and explained the decision to keep them while releasing Dre Greenlaw, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

Why it matters

The Broncos' moves at inside linebacker reflect a broader pattern of roster retention this offseason, as the team looks to build on its recent success by keeping key contributors in place. The decision to prioritize Singleton and Strnad over Greenlaw suggests Denver believes its current group of inside linebackers gives the team the best chance to compete in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Paton said the Broncos couldn't keep all three inside linebackers, so they opted to sign Singleton to a two-year, $15 million deal and Strnad to a three-year, $18 million contract, while releasing Greenlaw with a post-June 1 designation. Greenlaw, who helped the Broncos win 'a bunch of games' in 2025, signed a one-year, $11.5 million deal to return to the 49ers, the team he played for prior to joining Denver.

  • In early March, the Broncos signed Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to contract extensions.
  • On March 30, 2026, the Broncos released Dre Greenlaw with a post-June 1 designation.

The players

George Paton

The general manager of the Denver Broncos who explained the team's decision to retain Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad while releasing Dre Greenlaw.

Alex Singleton

An inside linebacker who the Broncos signed to a two-year, $15 million contract extension.

Justin Strnad

An inside linebacker who the Broncos signed to a three-year, $18 million contract extension.

Dre Greenlaw

An inside linebacker who the Broncos released with a post-June 1 designation after one year with the team, and who has since re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who expressed his excitement about Dre Greenlaw returning to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Singleton and Strnad are really good players. Dre — we couldn't keep the three of them. Dre helped us win a bunch of games, he helped our culture. We wish him the best, but we're really happy to have Strnad and Singleton.”

— George Paton, General Manager, Denver Broncos

“We hated being away from him for a year and we're pumped he's back.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The Broncos could still look to add depth on the defensive line in the coming weeks or months, with GM George Paton noting the team has 'pretty good depth' but is 'always looking for big guys on the offensive and defensive lines'.

The takeaway

The Broncos' decision to retain Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad at inside linebacker, while parting ways with Dre Greenlaw, reflects the team's commitment to continuity and belief in its current group of players. This move aligns with the Broncos' broader offseason strategy of keeping key contributors in place as they look to build on their recent success.