Grading Broncos' decision to release linebacker Dre Greenlaw

The Denver Broncos have chosen to move on from one of their big-ticket signings from last season, releasing linebacker Dre Greenlaw on Monday. This decision came after the news that the team agreed to re-sign Alex Singleton. Of course, a deal was reached on Sunday for the team to retain Justin Strnad as well. 

That leaves Singleton and Strnad as the team's starting inside linebackers. 

Broncos fans seem to be quite angry with the decision to release Greenlaw, if you scan over social media. However, it's not hard to believe when you consider how much time he missed last season. 

Greenlaw was injured almost immediately last spring, missing time in mini-camp and training camp. In the regular season, things only got worse, forcing Strnad into the starting lineup more often than not. 

When Greenlaw was out there, he was effective, but he was also on a snap count for many of those games. Counting the playoffs, he played in 10 of a possible 20 games for the team. He had 53 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception. 

It's easy to dislike the decision to get rid of the player who was signed to be an enforcer last year, but being available just 50 percent of the time is the entire reason he is now looking for a new team. 

Grade for release of Dre Greenlaw

The Broncos are sticking with as much of their roster from last season as they can; that is clearly the goal. But Greenlaw was a casualty due to his inability to stay on the field. It seems that those in charge did not want to deal with that going forward. 

However, it leaves the Broncos very thin at the position. If the team opens the season with Singleton and Strnad as its starters, there will be reason for concern. The Broncos should be looking at improving this position greatly before the season opens. 

The Broncos do save about $6 million against the cap, but when figuring in the dead money hit, it's a net savings of less than $2 million. It's easy to argue for or against this move, depending on what you wanted to see for the team. So, how about a grade?

HOT READ: Denver Broncos: Instant reaction, grade for team re-signing linebacker Alex Singleton

I don't detest it, but I wouldn't have gone to bat for it either. It doesn't make a lot of sense to gamble on J.K. Dobbins' injury history, but draw the line on Greenlaw. Perhaps Greenlaw just didn't buy into the team's philosophies, but he did serve as that aggressive enforcer when he was out there, and that is something the team still needs from this position. 

Grade: C-

More Broncos Content

Broncos may be selecting Mr. Irrelevant in 2026 NFL Draft

Broncos Free Agency: Instant reaction, grade for team re-signing J.K. Dobbins

John Franklin-Myers leaves Broncos for mega deal with Titans

5 running backs Broncos can still sign following Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne deals

Broncos have reportedly shown interest in veteran free-agent wide receiver