The Denver Broncos’ defense was one of the few consistent bright spots during the 2025 season. They led the NFL in sacks, locked down in the red zone, and kept opposing offenses from running up the scoreboard.
It was a unit that brought physicality and discipline week after week. But even with all that success, there’s still room for growth-especially if Denver wants to take the next step as a contender.
With Vance Joseph returning as defensive coordinator, don’t expect a major schematic overhaul. Continuity is the name of the game here.
But there are a couple of key coaching vacancies that will need to be addressed. The Broncos have parted ways with defensive backs coach Addison Lynch and defensive passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Who they bring in to fill those roles will be important, particularly when it comes to maximizing talent in the secondary.
The good news? Denver’s defensive backfield is expected to return all its major contributors in 2026.
That kind of stability is rare in today’s NFL, and it gives the Broncos a solid foundation to build on. But while the group held its own in coverage and limited big plays, one area that clearly needs work is creating turnovers.
That’s the next step for this unit-turning sound coverage into game-changing plays.
Overall, this defense is in a strong place. There’s talent and depth across most position groups.
But inside linebacker? That’s where things get complicated.
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad-Denver’s two most-used linebackers in 2025-are both set to hit free agency. And behind them, the depth chart gets thin in a hurry. There’s not a lot of proven NFL experience waiting in the wings.
Singleton played nearly every defensive snap last season-1,029 to be exact, which was 98% of the total. He racked up 135 tackles, but only three were for loss, and his missed tackle rate sat at 8.2%.
In coverage, he struggled. Opponents completed 77% of their passes when targeting him, racking up 628 yards and four touchdowns.
He’s a high-effort player who’s made some big plays for Denver over the years, but he’s also become a liability in coverage-a matchup opposing offenses looked to exploit week in and week out.
Singleton wants to be back in Denver, but it’s unclear if the front office feels the same way. At 32, he’s a veteran presence, but the Broncos may be looking to get younger and more athletic at the position.
Strnad, meanwhile, stepped up in a big way when Dre Greenlaw was sidelined by injuries. Strnad logged 575 snaps-just over half of the team’s defensive plays-and proved to be an effective blitzer and a solid fit in Joseph’s system.
He’s made it clear he’s looking for a multi-year deal and a starting role in free agency. Whether that happens in Denver or elsewhere remains to be seen.
Then there’s Greenlaw himself. The Broncos are hoping he can be a bigger factor in 2026, but that’s a risky bet. His injury history is long, and counting on him to be the anchor in the middle of the defense is far from a sure thing.
So here’s the reality: Denver could be looking at a complete reset at inside linebacker this offseason. And honestly, it might be the right time for it.
The free agent market is shaping up to be deep with talent at the position, and the draft class is loaded with potential starters. The Broncos would be wise to strike in both areas-find a proven veteran who can step in right away, and invest an early-round pick in a young player who can grow into the role over time.
This isn’t just about filling a hole. It’s about reshaping a position that’s been a weak link in an otherwise strong defense.
Denver’s defense is close. But to go from good to great, they need more speed, better coverage skills, and a true difference-maker at inside linebacker. That’s what this offseason needs to be about-getting better in the middle of the field, both now and for the future.