The Denver Broncos 91-man roster before training camp is set for now after the team made two roster moves on Thursday following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp.
Denver Broncos sign LB Andre Smith
As the Denver Broncos hope to find somebody to fill the void left by former starting linebacker Josey Jewell, they’ll have plenty of options to evaluate during training camp in July.
On Thursday, the Broncos signed veteran linebacker Andre Smith to a one-year deal after he was present this offseason on a tryout basis, as first reported by Jordan Schultz.
Smith is entering his seventh year in the league, spending 2023 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, where he accumulated 19 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in just 11 games last season.
He’s had previous stints with the Tennessee Titans (2022), Buffalo Bills (2020-2021), and the Carolina Panthers (2018-2019).
Smith has appeared in 62 career games and only has one career start, which came last season in Atlanta.
To make room for Smith on the roster, the team waived tight end Dylan Leonard with an injury settlement, as first reported by Mike Klis.
Denver’s roster currently sits at 91 due to the team receiving an international player designation on TE Thomas Yassmin.
Outlook of the Broncos LB room
Alex Singleton is the only known starter right now at the linebacker position. Throughout OTAs, minicamp, and what will extend to training camp and the preseason, the Broncos will rotate and evaluate Cody Barton, Justin Strnad, Jonas Griffith, undrafted rookie Levelle Bailey, and Smith to see who starts next to him.
Strnad was one of the Broncos’ best special teams players last season and has a core role already carved out on special teams alongside Barton, who has been heavily involved as well. Griffith has also received reps on special teams.
It’s easy to project that Denver will likely keep four or five players in total at inside linebacker this upcoming season, which will be predicated on who plays well during the preseason on defense and on special teams.