Could Broncos' top free agents follow former coach to new team in 2026?

The Denver Broncos will need to hit the ground running in free agency when the new league year officially opens on March 11, looking for more firepower for the offense. 

The Broncos came so close to reaching Super Bowl LX this past season and the prevailing thought is that by giving Bo Nix some more to work with on offense, they'll be right back in the same position next year. However, one position on the defensive side of the ball is going to be a huge need for the team and that comes at the inside linebacker spot. 

When ranking the in-house free agents on the team, two inside linebackers — Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad — occupy the top two spots. But will the Broncos be able to keep them both?

Could Jim Leonhard get Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad to jump ship?

Much of that depends on what the team decides to do with Dre Greenlaw. Though he was an exciting addition to the roster in free agency last year, Greenlaw spent half of the season hurt. The Broncos will need to decide whether to continue on with him or cut him in a move that would free up $8.1 million in cap space if it happens after June 1. 

If the Broncos move on from him, it may be imperative to bring back both Singleton and Strnad. However, Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has detailed how former defensive coach Jim Leonhard, now the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, could help lure one or both of them to Western New York. 

"On defense, Buffalo hired Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator. After spending the past two seasons in Denver, he could add depth or competition in the form of linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad", wrote Edwards. 

The Bills will see two of their own inside linebackers, Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson, become unrestricted free agents, so they could have similar decisions to make. 

MORE: Broncos' Jonathon Cooper predicted to be 'dream' trade for NFC South team

Both Singleton and Strnad will be looking for pay increases. In the case of Strnad, he has signed a series of one-year deals and will be looking for a long-term extension. The Broncos could soon find themselves in a bidding war with the team they knocked out of the playoffs this year. 

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