The Denver Broncos are going to run it back in 2026 at linebacker and running back.
On Sunday, they re-signed Justin Strnad, and then re-signed J.K. Dobbins, and finally Alex Singleton both on Monday. All before releasing Dre Greenlaw.
Broncos Country was hoping Denver would upgrade at those positions, but they decided to bring back their in-house free agents instead of making splash signings. That’s a bold strategy.
In fact, they’re only one of four teams to not sign a player off another roster.
FOUR teams have yet to sign a free agent off another roster since the negotiation window opened Monday:Broncos SeahawksEaglesJaguars
— Andrew Siciliano (@andrewsiciliano.bsky.social) 2026-03-10T15:33:24.747Z
Denver Broncos decide to run it back instead of splash signings
All offseason, Broncos fans have been hyped about the team upgrading at running back and possibly at linebacker, too.
Instead, they brought back their core guys at both positions, and then released Dre Greenlaw.
It’s a disappointing approach for those who saw both positions as weak points to varying degrees.
Dobbins was great for the Broncos for the first half of the season but then was injured and missed the last seven regular season games, plus Denver’s two playoff contests.
His 5.0 yards per carry were fantastic, he complimented rookie RJ Harvey well with his between-the-tackle running, and put four touchdowns on the board.
But left the team high and dry when he was hurt. Can the Broncos rely on him next year?
Dobbins has been injured every, single season he’s played in the league. The most games he’s played in a season is 13, and that was in 2024, with two seasons of less than 10 games played in his career. And exactly 10 last year.
Denver knew they needed to upgrade the running back position and tried multiple times. First, they attempted to trade for David Montgomery, but lost out to the Texans. Then on Monday they were in on Travis Etienne before the Saints stole him.
Dobbins was merely a fallback plan, and unless they have something else up their sleeves, the Broncos are worse at running back than last year. That’s because they let Jaleel McLaughlin walk in free agency.
Will they make a splash signing at the position? Denver still has around $14.5M left in cap space.
What if they decided to bring in Alvin Kamara if he’s cut? It’s possible, but does seem somewhat unlikely.
Still, Etienne signing with the Saints at minimum bumps Kamara to the No. 2 role and could have him packing his bags.
Ultimately, Dobbins is earning $10M per year, with Etienne getting $13M per. One has to wonder what the Broncos offered Etienne, while keeping in mind that he’s from Louisiana and is returning home.
Linebacker upgrade would’ve been great
Coming into free agency, it seemed clear that Justin Strnad earned a new contract. He seems ready to step into the starting role. But that left the Broncos to make decisions on the other linebacker.
Quay Walker was available. He would’ve been a great splash signing; new blood to the team. Instead, he went to the Raiders.
Instead, they not only re-signed the older Singleton, but they also cut Greenlaw.
Speaking of free agent signings; Greenlaw was extremely disappointing last year. He only played 8 games, was suspended for one, and wasn’t nearly as impactful to the defense as everyone hoped.
Maybe George Paton expects Karene Reid to step into Strnad’s role on special teams and be the backup behind him and Singleton.
Either way, the Broncos were only mediocre in the middle of their defense while the front and secondary were each some of the best units in the NFL.
Denver needed to upgrade there and didn’t. They stood pat.
It doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Meanwhile, the Broncos also need a depth receiver. They reached out to Kendrick Bourne but he signed with the Cardinals. They also reached out to Romeo Doubs, who would be a great No. 2 guy, but he’s probably too expensive for Denver.
They also need defensive line depth. John Franklin-Myers left and got paid the big bucks; who’s going to fill in there?
Denver’s first day of free agency was extremely disappointing.
They were within one game of going to the Super Bowl and fell short because their run game was terrible and they couldn’t stop Drake Maye’s runs.
There’s still hope the Broncos do something today, and the rest of this week, but many of the best free agents have already been signed and their money is running short.