Broncos Re-Sign Linebacker Justin Strnad to Three-Year, $18 Million Deal
The Denver Broncos and linebacker Justin Strnad have reached an agreement on a three-year, $18 million contract with $10 million guaranteed, according to James Palmer of Bleacher Report. The deal also includes $5.1 million guaranteed at signing.
A fifth-round pick by the Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft, Strnad started five games for Denver in 2021 before being relegated to special teams duties in 2022 and 2023. He then started eight games for Denver in 2024 as an injury fill-in, playing well enough in those contests to earn a one-year contract extension last offseason.
Strnad started eight games again for the Broncos in 2025, demonstrating his ability to contribute both in pass coverage and as a pass rusher. He finished the 2025 campaign with 58 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, an interception, and three pass deflections. Prior to free agency, Strnad made it clear that he was seeking an opportunity to be a full-time starter in 2026 and beyond. It appears Denver felt he earned that opportunity.
In each of the past two seasons, Strnad has logged more than 500 defensive snaps. During that span, the Broncos have also fielded one of the league’s top-ranked defenses.
With Strnad back in the fold, it remains to be seen what Denver has planned for Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw. Singleton, who recorded a team-high 135 total tackles for the Broncos in 2025, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Greenlaw, who played in just eight games last season, is viewed as a potential cut candidate due to his injury history and the fact that Denver could move on from him without absorbing much dead money.
Despite bringing back Strnad, the Broncos are reportedly still interested in re-signing Singleton. If Denver is able to retain Singleton, Greenlaw’s future in the Mile High City could become murky. The Broncos would save roughly $6 million in salary cap space by releasing Greenlaw, provided he can pass a physical.
