The Broncos’ offseason approach at inside linebacker is starting to look like one of those decisions that can linger well past free agency. Denver had a real chance to address the spot with Kaden Elliss, and instead the team rolled forward with a group that leaves plenty of questions as training camp nears.
Elliss made too much sense on paper. He was a Sean Payton draft pick with the Saints in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he also happens to be the brother of Broncos EDGE rusher Jonah Elliss.
That family tie, plus the coaching connection, made him an obvious name to watch. Just as important, he would have stepped into a defensive middle that needed help.
Instead, the Broncos brought back Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, a move that fit the team’s broader “run it back” approach at the position. But Elliss is a different kind of player. He’s a pass-rushing inside linebacker who could have strengthened a weakness and, in the process, added even more juice to a defense that already values pressure.
The Saints kept Elliss on a three-year, $33 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. That’s real money, but it’s not out of line with what New Orleans gave Dre Greenlaw last offseason. And the production backs it up: Elliss has played every game over the last four seasons, posted at least 100 total tackles in each of the last three, and since the start of the 2022 NFL season has piled up 19.5 sacks, 36 tackles for loss and 42 quarterback hits.
Coverage isn’t his calling card, but reliability is. He stays on the field and does what he does best.
That’s what makes Denver’s pass on him sting a little more. The fit was obvious, the connection was obvious, and the need was obvious.
The Broncos did make a couple of moves at the position, taking Red Murdock with the final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and signing undrafted free agent Taurean York. Both are worth watching, but a seventh-round pick and an UDFA come with the usual limits on expectations.
Denver had a shot to settle this spot in free agency. With camp getting closer, that decision could end up drawing a lot more attention than it did back in March.
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