The Broncos are already doing their homework on linebacker help, and the timing says plenty. With the season opener against the Chiefs just three days away, Denver spent Friday working out three more linebackers, according to 9NEWS’ Mike Klis.
"The Broncos worked three players today: Former Dolphin LB special teamer Cameron Goode; OLB Elliott Brown and OLB Jahfari Harvey," Klis posted on X.
That came after the Broncos had already taken a look earlier in the week at two defensive backs and two linebackers, part of a wider search for players who can help on special teams. That third phase is clearly a major focus for Denver, which is leaning on its depth safeties and linebackers in that area this season.
At inside linebacker, the Broncos feel good about the top of the depth chart. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are the starting duo, but after them, the picture gets murkier fast. Karene Reid and Jordan Turner are both in their second season and each entered the league as an undrafted player one year ago.
Reid earned his spot on the initial roster after a strong training camp and preseason, and he brings real value on special teams. Turner’s path was less straightforward. He missed much of camp while on the Non-Football Injury list, but still made the team as a true stack linebacker who can also help on special teams.
Denver also kept seventh-round linebacker Red Murdock on the practice squad. He led the team in preseason tackles and forced a fumble in the finale.
The Broncos’ interest in more linebackers isn’t about making an immediate move. It’s about building a list of options in case they need one later, whether that’s for the active roster or the practice squad.
Goode fits that mold. The former Dolphins seventh-round pick built his career by making plays on special teams, and last season he posted a career-high 22 tackles while even starting one game at linebacker for Miami.
Brown is a rush linebacker who went undrafted in 2022 and headed to the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Elks after drawing little NFL interest. He later got a shot in the Arizona Cardinals’ training camp, then spent a little time on Arizona’s practice squad before being waived again. The Cardinals brought him back on a futures deal after the season, but cut him at final roster reductions on August 30.
Harvey is another rush linebacker. He went undrafted last year, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a college free agent, and did enough to get re-signed to their practice squad after final cuts. He eventually appeared in two games and finished with one tackle.
All of this points back to special teams. The Broncos are not just hunting linebacker or edge depth here; they’re trying to identify players who could land on the practice squad and, if needed, be elevated during the season to help in the kicking game.
That’s a worthwhile exercise with Kansas City looming on Monday night. The Chiefs have long been one of the league’s best third-phase teams, so Denver’s special teams will get an early test right away.
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