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Sean Payton makes announcement that changes everything for Broncos' linebacker position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos have started organized team activities (OTAs) and head coach Sean Payton has already made an announcement about one player that changes the outlook of the defense.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Payton said that third-year linebacker Jonah Elliss will not be moving inside after all. Instead, he will be staying at the outside linebacker position but there could be some defensive packages that have him line up on the inside. Payton said that Elliss is "doing too good outside".
Broncos Country was buzzing this spring when the team announced that Elliss would be moving inside in 2026. It was surprising to hear, but it seemed to explain why the Broncos weren't too aggressive in free agency or the draft at the inside linebacker position, a spot most considered to be the biggest weakness on the roster.
The Broncos looked primed and ready to draft an inside linebacker in the second round this year, but between picks 43 and 60, five big names (Jacob Rodriguez, Josiah Trotter, Jake Golday, CJ Allen and Anthony Hill Jr.) all came off the board. Originally at pick No. 62, the Broncos made a trade with Buffalo to move back four slots before selecting Tyler Onyedim, a defensive lineman out of Texas A&M.
What is Broncos' plan at inside linebacker?
The Broncos were quick to re-sign Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad this offseason. Both players will return and be the team's starters, though neither player offers a tremendous ceiling at this point in their careers. Singleton is 32 and has dealt with injuries in recent years and Strnad has never been a full-time starter in the league.
Behind them is a group of players who each joined the league through the undrafted free-agent process, aside from this year's "Mr. Irrelevant", Red Murdock.
The thought was that the Broncos had something up their sleeve by moving Elliss to the inside. News of him remaining on the outside is encouraging, as he's the top reserve behind Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, but any questions about the overall depth on the inside remain valid.
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This is a group that should get a full examination this summer and if there are any concerns, the team should consider signing a veteran such as Bobby Wagner. The Broncos are a legitimate Super Bowl contender this coming season and any chinks in the armor should be worked out as soon as possible.
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