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Broncos Wire's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year linebacker Levelle Bailey, No. 56. (Note: The NFL lists Bailey as a "second-year" player because he only has one accrued season of at least six games, but he's going into his third year in the league.)
Before the Broncos: Bailey (6-2, 225 pounds) made a name for himself at Fresno State. A beneficiary of the NCAA's COVID-19 eligibility rules, Bailey played five seasons for the Bulldogs, playing in 58 games. Bailey logged 277 total tackles (160 solo, 117 assisted, 25.5 tackles for loss), seven sacks, six interceptions, 22 pass deflections, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. After college, Bailey went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, and was one of three undrafted free agents to make the Denver Broncos' initial 53-man roster in 2024.
Broncos tenure: During his rookie season, Bailey saw action as a near-exclusive special teams player, seeing action in 10 games, making five total tackles (one solo, four assisted). Last summer, Bailey was praised by Broncos coach Sean Payton for his improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. However, at the 53-man roster deadline, Bailey was a surprise cut by the Broncos. Bailey eventually signed on as a member of Denver's practice squad, making an appearance in three games in 2026, again mostly on special teams, but not recording any tackles.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss-up. Unfortunately, Bailey has a true uphill climb to make onto the 53-man active roster in 2026. Denver's crowded inside linebacker room includes incumbents Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Karene Reid and Jordan Turner, and Jonah Elliss is expected to get snaps at the position in 2026. The Broncos also added Red Murdock and Taurean York this spring, so Bailey will face tough competition for an active roster spot. If he doesn't make the 53-man squad, Bailey should be a top practice squad candidate.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos roster: LB Levelle Bailey (No. 56) competing for bigger role
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Before the Broncos: Bailey (6-2, 225 pounds) made a name for himself at Fresno State. A beneficiary of the NCAA's COVID-19 eligibility rules, Bailey played five seasons for the Bulldogs, playing in 58 games. Bailey logged 277 total tackles (160 solo, 117 assisted, 25.5 tackles for loss), seven sacks, six interceptions, 22 pass deflections, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. After college, Bailey went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, and was one of three undrafted free agents to make the Denver Broncos' initial 53-man roster in 2024.
Broncos tenure: During his rookie season, Bailey saw action as a near-exclusive special teams player, seeing action in 10 games, making five total tackles (one solo, four assisted). Last summer, Bailey was praised by Broncos coach Sean Payton for his improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. However, at the 53-man roster deadline, Bailey was a surprise cut by the Broncos. Bailey eventually signed on as a member of Denver's practice squad, making an appearance in three games in 2026, again mostly on special teams, but not recording any tackles.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss-up. Unfortunately, Bailey has a true uphill climb to make onto the 53-man active roster in 2026. Denver's crowded inside linebacker room includes incumbents Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Karene Reid and Jordan Turner, and Jonah Elliss is expected to get snaps at the position in 2026. The Broncos also added Red Murdock and Taurean York this spring, so Bailey will face tough competition for an active roster spot. If he doesn't make the 53-man squad, Bailey should be a top practice squad candidate.
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: Broncos roster: LB Levelle Bailey (No. 56) competing for bigger role
Continue reading...
