At the AFC coaches breakfast on Tuesday morning, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton shared his thoughts on the team’s decision to release linebacker Dre Greenlaw and the idea that one of their better younger players could get snaps at a different position.

Denver Broncos LB Jonah Elliss to get snaps off-ball

Jonah Elliss has been one of the Denver Broncos better younger players, who not only has had a big impact defensively, but on special teams as well.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed on Tuesday during his media scrum at the AFC coaches breakfast at the NFL Owners meeting that Elliss will be taking some snaps this summer at off-ball linebacker.

“You’re going to see [Jonah] Elliss take some snaps inside,” Payton said. “That’s something we’ve discussed relative to our depth with the edge. And then we’ll see where that goes during the draft.”

The Broncos value Elliss’ versatility as an athlete, and with the depth at off-ball linebacker questionable behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, it could allow for Denver’s defense to have flexibility and depth at two positions. He’s a pressure player who has the intangibles to make impact plays at any given moment, whether that consists of sacking the quarterback or forcing quarterbacks to make poor decisions because of his pressure.

In his first two seasons, Elliss has played in 30 games, missing four last season due to a combination of shoulder, hamstring, and rib injuries. He’s had 7.5 sacks as a role player and is coming off a career-high 14 quarterback pressures in 2025, despite missing four games.

Right now, the Broncos’ outside linebacker room consists of Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and second-year player Que Robinson.

Elliss will likely get snaps at both outside linebacker and inside, but it will be curious to see how that works, considering the complexity of Vance Joseph’s defense.

At inside linebacker, Denver’s current depth consists of Singleton, Strnad, Elliss, Drew Sanders, and former undrafted rookies Levelle Bailey, Jordan Turner, and Karene Reid.

Dre Greenlaw’s release this offseason created a need, and one that the Broncos felt Elliss could potentially excel at.

“That was a tough one,” Payton said. “Here’s why. He’s so passionate. I would say in my career as a coach. I’ve been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game. And I think I’m always disappointed internally that that didn’t work out, and because I love that player. I love how he competes, I love all the things he brings. And you feel somewhat responsible when it doesn’t work out.”

Elliss has time to get into the playbook to learn this new role, considering the Broncos don’t start their offseason program until the first week of May, where they’ll lift and condition for the entire month. After that, they’ll begin football activities on the field in June, where we’ll see our first look at Elliss as an inside backer.