The Broncos need to upgrade the middle linebacker position and Speed could be an under-the-radar signing.
The middle linebacker position is a crater for the Denver Broncos.
And the franchise must address this in the offseason.
There are definite targets to address that upgrade, like Zack Baun or Nick Bolton. But one of the under-the-radar players could be E.J. Speed. The soon-to-be free agent spent the last six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and is coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons.
E.J. Speed — Middle linebacker
Age: 29 | Experience: Sixth | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 227 pounds
If the Broncos do target middle linebackers this offseason, or Baun or Bolton stay with their respective teams or sign somewhere else, Speed could be a secondary option.
As always with NFL free agents, it’ll come down to fit and price.
Why the Broncos should sign E.J. Speed
As noted earlier, Speed is coming off consecutive seasons where he recorded at least 100 tackles. In 2024 for the Colts, he finished with 142 (93 solo). Speed also had an interception and five passes defended. In all, it was the best season of his short career.
If Denver decided to target Speed, it would definitely be under the radar. Or a secondary move to Baun or Bolton. And a change of scenery could really help Speed.
He seems to be coming into his own as a linebacker, and he did so for decent defense last season. No doubt he would be expected to take the next steps in his career if he signed with the Broncos, but he could benefit from playing on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Denver also likely wouldn’t have the competition that Baun and Bolton will garner. Speed would also be cheaper. Obviously, the Broncos should check on both high-end potential free agents, but they also don’t want to be left out high and dry. Literally anything out there is an upgrade over Alex Singleton and Cody Barton.
But when you dive more into Speed, that may not be the case. Yes, he’s a tackling machine, but Denver already has that in Singleton. And like Singleton, Speed isn’t good for much else.
Why the Broncos won’t sign Speed
The main reason Denver probably won’t sign Speed is he’s not an upgrade over what the team already has.
Just like John Elway did with his right tackles, this move applies Scotch Tape to the crater but doesn’t really address the issue.
As Stampede Blue noted on prospective free agents for the Colts, the site said they should swipe left on Speed (no). As they noted about Speed:
“E.J. Speed went from an unheard-of draft prospect in 2019 to a full-time starting linebacker for the Colts in 2023. Speed stepped into the starting role in 2023 and racked up back-to-back 100 tackle seasons. However, Speed has been reliable as a linebacker, missing tackles, being picked on in coverage, and being washed out by offensive linemen in the run game. The Colts need help at linebacker, but re-signing Speed would be a mistake.”
Sound familiar?
It will be for Sean Payton and George Paton.
Hence why Denver will likely pass on Speed.
Final thoughts
Middle linebacker is one of the “musts” for the Broncos this offseason. Along with safety, it’s the biggest issue to get an upgrade on a defense that was one of the best in the NFL last season.
While Speed has nice tackling numbers, that’s about all he brings. Plus, Denver already has a guy like that in Singleton: a guy who can tackle and not much else.
Put the focus on Baun or Bolton and really look at tackling this upgrade effectively.