Broncos considering major position switch for third-year player in 2026

The Denver Broncos seem to have a plan in place at the inside linebacker position for the coming season, and true to form with the current regime, it's something no one would have predicted. 

On Tuesday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton stated that third-year player Jonah Elliss will get some snaps at inside linebacker in 2026. An edge rusher since being drafted in the third round in 2024, Elliss has 7.5 sacks in his young career. But the team may move him inside this coming season to see if he's an answer at what has been a problem position for the team. 

Earlier this month, the Broncos chose to release Dre Greenlaw, leaving them thin at the position. Without a pick in the first round of the draft following a trade for Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos may see an experienced Elliss as a better option than adding a rookie early on. 

Jonah has two brothers currently playing in the NFL and they are both inside linebackers. Christian Elliss plays for the New England Patriots and Kaden Elliss plays for the New Orleans Saints. Perhaps the Broncos see him as a natural fit there as well, but he has been a suitable backup at the edge rusher position to Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. 

Moving him inside may get him more snaps defensively and the Broncos may just want him on the field more. 

Sean Payton on ILB position with Jonah Elliss as part of solution. pic.twitter.com/10bK0rCyTM

There could be a lot of moving parts here, but the Broncos are going to experiment a little and that could lead to some big changes. 

Is moving Jonah Elliss to inside linebacker the right move?

It's important that fans don't get ahead of themselves here, as Payton's words here in late March are just that, words. This may just be something that the team takes a look at in training camp to see if it's a move they want to take into the regular season.

The Broncos re-signed Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad this offseason, but it's clear that more depth is needed and it's imperative that the Broncos find it. At the same time, it's understandable for some to be worried about that move, as shifting Drew Sanders around hasn't worked out, though he has had major troubles staying on the field due to injuries. 

It won't be something that everyone loves. 

Why wouldn't the Broncos just keep Dre Greenlaw instead of potentially moving Jonah Elliss to inside linebacker? It doesn't quite add up... | Freshly Grated with @PetersenWill and @celloromano pic.twitter.com/3KjLsymIbV

The Broncos are taking measures to make sure they put their best players on the field in 2026, so the thought of them tinkering here should not sound off alarm bells. Behind Singleton and Strnad, the only other inside linebackers on the roster are Sanders, who has been injured for 90 percent of his career, and three undrafted players — Jordan Turner, Levelle Bailey and Karene Reid. 

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The Broncos will need to explore the position thoroughly in the draft, but the idea of moving Elliss to the inside will certainly be a storyline to follow this offseason. 

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