Linebacker Zach Cunningham is scheduled to hit free agency. Should the Denver Broncos bring him back or explore other options to upgrade their linebacker room for 2025?
The Denver Broncos don’t have a whole heap of talent at the inside linebacker position. In fact it’s actually one of their bigger needs this offseason. It’s arguably what lost them a handful of games as they were consistently unable to do much in coverage and they would occasionally get thrashed on the ground. We all know that the middle of the field was a big target for the opposition.
So where do the Broncos go from here? Luckily Alex Singleton will return from injury next year. They sure missed him. There’s also a chance that they bring in someone through the draft. Denver also might be able to bring in a free agent. But they first have to address their pending free agents at the inside linebacker spot, and those names include Cody Barton, Justin Strnad, and Zach Cunningham.
Zach Cunningham – Linebacker
Age: 30 | Experience: 10th | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 238 pounds
Cunningham was signed to the Broncos practice squad back on September 25th, 2024 and was promoted to the active roster on November 27th. His first action on the year came against the Atlanta Falcons where he would record one solo tackle and two assists. That game would also be the one where he played his most snaps in a game with 11 (19%).
As a whole he would play just 15 defensive snaps all year with two snaps against the Raiders and then against the Chiefs. The majority of his snaps would come on special teams, totaling 41, with an average of 6.8 per game over the last six (he didn’t play special teams against the Falcons).
Why re-signing Zach Cunningham makes sense
If the Broncos really feel like they can’t look anywhere else to acquire depth at this position, then Cunningham should serve as a very cheap option for them to bring back on a one-year deal. He’s been around the league for a while and that experience may give him an edge on a potential replacement.
Why the Broncos could move on from Zach Cunningham
He is in a very replaceable position. Not even in a disrespectful way, but a third stringer’s spot is always up for grabs and his spot can be taken at any time. There is plenty of options in free agency this year and there very likely is a better option for around the same cost to the salary cap.