With Zach Baun and Nick Bolton off the board for the Broncos, a new report names Jamien Sherwood and Robert Spillane as names to watch in free agency.
If you were hoping the Broncos would sign one of the top linebackers in free agency, you’re probably a bit disappointed. Eagles re-signed All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun earlier in the week and today it was reported that the Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton agreed to an extension. Bolton was primed to be a top target for the Broncos who are now reevaluating their options and could be turning their sights to two other talented linebackers.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens is reporting that Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood and Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane are players to keep an eye on for the Broncos.
After talking to sources, the two ILBs to really have your eye on for Denver to pursue in free agency are:
— Jamien Sherwood from the Jets
— Robert Spillane from the Raiders
It was my understanding Nick Bolton was going to be a top target for the Broncos in free agency, but…
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) March 9, 2025
Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood had a breakout year this past season and is now an intriguing option for teams in free agency. The former safety is just 25 years old and would give the Broncos a young and ascending linebacker who may have his best football ahead of him.
Before this season, Sherwood appeared in 39 games including 4 starts through three seasons and totaled 77 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection. This year, he took over for an injured C.J. Mosley and had a pretty productive season. He started 16 of the 17 games for the Jets and totaled 158 total tackles, which included 98 solo tackles, which led the league, 10 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and 3 pass deflections.
Personally, Sherwood is my top target for the Broncos and someone I would have preferred over someone like Nick Bolton who is a liability in coverage.
Stevens also names Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane as a potential option for the Broncos. While he is not the sexiest option available, he would bring some stability and another tackling machine to the Broncos defense.
The past two seasons, Spillane has been one of the leading tacklers in the league and would bring some consistency to the Broncos linebacker room. He is 29 years old and will turn 30 during the season, so he’s more a short-term option, but he would be an upgrade over what they had the year prior.
Last season for the Raiders, Spillane totaled 158 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections. While he is viewed as a more downhill linebacker, he does have a total of 5 interceptions and 11 pass deflections the past two seasons, which is pretty good for the type of linebacker he is.
The Broncos currently have veteran Alex Singleton who is coming off an ACL injury, former third round pick Drew Sanders, and undrafted free agent Levelle Bailey as the linebackers on the roster. Adding one or both of these players should not be out of the question and I think Sherwood should be their top priority once the legal tampering period opens tomorrow.