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Before making any additions (or roster cuts) during NFL free agency, the Denver Broncos have one glaring need on defense: inside linebacker.
A quick review of the team's (projected) defensive depth chart shows strength at outside linebacker and cornerback, quality on the defensive line, top-heavy talent at safety and a big hole at inside linebacker.
With dozens of moves on the way in the coming weeks and months, here's a pre-free agency look at Denver's projected depth chart for Vance Joseph's defense in 2026.
Defensive line: 7
With John Franklin-Myers expected to land a big contract elsewhere during free agency, the Broncos might ask one of Uwazurike or Jones to step up as a starter in 2026.
Outside linebacker: 6
Dondrea Tillman should be easy to bring back as an exclusive rights free agent, so the team has plenty of depth on the edge.
Inside linebacker: 5
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both scheduled to become free agents next week, so inside linebacker needs to be a top priority for the Broncos.
Cornerback: 7
The Broncos are bringing McMillian back on a second-round tender, which presumably means Barron will get an opportunity to compete with Moss for an outside role in 2026.
Safety: 3
P.J. Locke is set to hit free agency next week. If Denver does not re-sign Locke, the team will need more depth at the position.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9. The new league year (and official start of free agency) opens on March 11.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Defensive depth chart before NFL free agency
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A quick review of the team's (projected) defensive depth chart shows strength at outside linebacker and cornerback, quality on the defensive line, top-heavy talent at safety and a big hole at inside linebacker.
With dozens of moves on the way in the coming weeks and months, here's a pre-free agency look at Denver's projected depth chart for Vance Joseph's defense in 2026.
Broncos projected depth chart (defense)
Defensive line: 7
- DE: Zach Allen, Jordan Miller, Kristian Williams
- DT: D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach
- DE: Eyioma Uwazurike or Sai'vion Jones
With John Franklin-Myers expected to land a big contract elsewhere during free agency, the Broncos might ask one of Uwazurike or Jones to step up as a starter in 2026.
Outside linebacker: 6
- OLB1: Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss
- OLB2: Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson
- Depth: OLB Johnny Walker, Garrett Nelson
Dondrea Tillman should be easy to bring back as an exclusive rights free agent, so the team has plenty of depth on the edge.
Inside linebacker: 5
- LB1: Dre Greenlaw, Karene Reid
- LB2: Drew Sanders, Lavelle Bailey
- Depth: Jordan Turner
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both scheduled to become free agents next week, so inside linebacker needs to be a top priority for the Broncos.
Cornerback: 7
- CB1: Pat Surtain
- Slot: Ja'Quan McMillian
- CB2: Riley Moss or Jahdae Barron
- CB4: Kris Abrams-Draine
- Depth: Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson
The Broncos are bringing McMillian back on a second-round tender, which presumably means Barron will get an opportunity to compete with Moss for an outside role in 2026.
Safety: 3
- S1: Brandon Jones
- S2 Talanoa Hufunga
- ST: JL Skinner
P.J. Locke is set to hit free agency next week. If Denver does not re-sign Locke, the team will need more depth at the position.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9. The new league year (and official start of free agency) opens on March 11.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Defensive depth chart before NFL free agency
Continue reading...
