After signing a one-year deal for 2024, Strnad will have options in free agency again.
The need at linebacker for the Denver Broncos is obvious.
When Justin Strnad was drafted in 2020 out of Wake Forest, the Broncos saw a player who had potential. What has transpired for Strnad in his career is plenty of work on special teams, but not much on defense.
That being said, Strnad had his biggest season for Denver with a career high 8 starts (mostly due to injuries). He had career highs in sacks, passes defensed, tackles, tackles for a loss and QB hits. The question is, was it enough?
Justin Strnad — Middle Linebacker
Age: 28 | Experience: 5th | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 235 pounds
The answer to the question probably depends on what Strnad’s future in the league. When Doc wrote up Strnad as part of our preseason roster reviews, she saw Strnad making the team because of his special teams play, which he did.
If we are being honest about the Broncos needs, linebacker stands out. It always seems to stand out, which is why Strnad could be a candidate for a return to Denver. However, in his opportunities in 2024, it was not as if he made any wow statements. He was serviceable, but beatable.
Why re-signing Justin Strnad makes sense
From the perspective of impact, the most likely scenario is as a special teams player. There will be changes with the need of a new ST coach. This is probably where the Broncos see Strnad making the biggest impact.
If they can get him on a contract that makes sense for a career special teams player, it makes sense to create that continuity. His career has definitely trended in the career ST player direction.
Why the Broncos could move on from Justin Strnad
It’s the lack of a wow factor that really puts Strnad in danger. Free agency will dictate what the Broncos do, and the draft could be a factor as well. After almost leaving Denver for Carolina before the 2024 season, Strnad came back with the hope of having a big impact and finding a roll on the team.
The opportunities were there, but the film doesn’t scream, “give him another contract!”
Sean Payton and George Paton will prioritize shoring up the position. Bringing back Strnad feels like more of the same mediocre play, at best. Experience in the Vance Joseph’s defense may not be enough to give the Broncos the desire to make a move to keep him.
As the Broncos move into the free agency period, LB has to be an area of focus. JJ Watt said Denver is a desirable destination again because of what Payton is creating. With that kind of momentum, making a splash at a position of need makes sense (Nick Bolton, anybody?).
That could spell the end of Strnad’s time in Denver.