If you follow the Denver Broncos, you know the name Justin Strnad. You also probably know he has a bit of a "Groundhog Day" relationship with the front office. Every time it looks like he might be heading out the door—literally hours away from joining another team in one famous instance—he ends up back in the orange and blue. Honestly, the news that the Broncos have re-signed linebacker Justin Strnad isn’t just about depth. It is a testament to a guy who survived multiple coaching regimes and turned himself into a defensive weapon when everyone else had him pinned as "just a special teams guy."
The contract details for this latest 2025-2026 stretch are pretty telling. We are looking at a one-year deal worth $2.78 million, and the kicker is that it's fully guaranteed. For a former fifth-round pick who missed his entire rookie year with a wrist injury, that is a massive win. It’s also a sign that Sean Payton and George Paton value continuity over a complete overhaul at the second level of the defense.
The Wildest 180 in Broncos Free Agency History
Before we get into his 2025 stats, we have to talk about how he even stayed a Bronco in the first place. Back in March 2024, the "insiders" had already moved on. Reports were flying that Strnad was headed to the Carolina Panthers. It was basically a done deal. Then, in a move that felt more like a college recruitment flip, he changed his mind hours later. He stayed.
Why? Because the Broncos knew something the rest of us were just starting to see.
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When Alex Singleton went down with a torn ACL in Week 3 of the 2024 season, the "depth piece" had to become the "centerpiece." Strnad didn't just fill a gap; he exploded. He recorded a sack on his very first play from scrimmage after taking over the starting role. That’s the kind of stuff that earns you a $2.7 million fully guaranteed check a year later.
Why the Broncos Have Re-signed Linebacker Justin Strnad
The logic here is pretty straightforward if you look at the roster. Alex Singleton’s health has been a major storyline, and with Drew Sanders dealing with his own injury history, Denver couldn't afford to let a veteran who knows the system walk.
- System Knowledge: He has been in the building since 2020. He knows the checks.
- Special Teams Prowess: Even when he wasn't starting on defense, he was leading the team in special teams snaps (hitting over 80% in previous years).
- Surprising Pass Rush: Strnad has developed a knack for getting to the quarterback. In 2025, he notched 4.5 sacks, which is high for an inside linebacker not named Micah Parsons.
The Broncos brought in Dre Greenlaw to be the definitive hammer, but Strnad provides that insurance policy that actually pays out. Last season, he racked up 73 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He isn't just "a body" anymore. He's a legitimate rotational starter who can cover.
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The Stats That Matter
Let's look at the 2025 production because it was arguably his best year yet. People love to look at solo tackles, but check out his impact in big moments:
- Sacks: 4.5 (A career-high)
- Total Tackles: 58 (In 16 games)
- The "Turning Point" Play: In Week 7 against the Giants, Strnad grabbed a massive interception off Jaxson Dart. Denver was down by 10 in the fourth. That pick flipped the momentum and led to a one-point comeback win.
That game alone probably paid for his 2026 locker space.
What This Means for the 2026 Depth Chart
Honestly, the Broncos are in a weird spot with their linebackers. You have Greenlaw as the "alpha." You have Singleton trying to get back to 100%. Then you have the young guys like Levelle Bailey. By re-signing Justin Strnad, Denver has basically said they want a high-floor veteran who can play all three downs if needed.
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There is a segment of the fanbase that thinks Strnad is a liability in open-field coverage. They aren't entirely wrong—he’s had some rough angles in games against faster teams like Cleveland—but his value as a blitzer has offset those concerns. Vance Joseph clearly trusts him. When a defensive coordinator trusts you to blitz on third-and-long, you’re staying on the roster.
Actionable Insights for Broncos Fans
If you're wondering how this affects the team moving forward, here is the reality:
- Draft Strategy: Don't expect the Broncos to reach for an off-ball linebacker early in the upcoming draft. With Strnad and Greenlaw locked in, they’ll likely focus on the edge or the secondary.
- Salary Cap: His $1.33 million cap hit for 2025 is a steal. It’s less than 1% of the total cap, which gives the team room to breathe for bigger extensions elsewhere.
- Expect More Blitzes: Given his 4.5 sacks last year, expect to see #40 coming through the "A-gap" more often in 2026.
Justin Strnad is the ultimate "program guy." He isn't the flashiest name on the jersey rack at Mile High, but he is the guy making the tackle on the opening kickoff and then getting a sack on the final drive. Sometimes, the best move in free agency isn't the big splash—it's keeping the guy who refuses to leave.
Your next move as a fan: Keep an eye on the defensive rotation during the preseason. If Strnad continues to out-snap the younger prospects, it's a sign that the Broncos view him as a primary starter for the 2026 campaign, regardless of who else is healthy.