Locke and the Broncos agreed on a two-year, $7 million contract with a maximum value of $9 million Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Locke had a career year in 2023, recording 53 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, while intercepting a pass, deflecting five others and forcing two fumbles over 12 contests with Denver. The 27-year-old is the frontrunner to operate as the Broncos' starting strong safety in 2024.
The safety should get a chance to start with Kareem Jackson out for the next four games due to a suspension. Locke missed the team's Week 11 win over the Vikings after hurting his ankle the previous week against the Bills. The fourth-year pro has eight tackles, a pass defensed and an interception in 2023.
Locke has suited up for the Broncos' three previous games, but never surpassed more than 23 percent of the defensive snaps. The 23 percent of snaps came in Denver's 19-17 win over the Packers in Week 7 after Jackson was disqualified from the game. Locke recorded three tackles (one solo) in the contest. Look for him to see a regular starting workload against the Chiefs and Bills over the next two games.