Justin Strnad: Everything you need to know

Strnad agreed to a 3-year, $18 million contract with the Broncos on Sunday, James Palmer of The Athletic reports. Strnad was drafted by Denver in the fifth round of the 2020 draft and signed a one-year, $2.79 million deal to stay with the team last offseason. After spending three seasons as a core special teamer, the 29-year-old has emerged as a significant contributor on defense with 16 starts in 33 regular-season games over the last two years, tallying 131 tackles and 7.5 sacks over that span. Strnad should retain a consistent role behind starting inside linebackers Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw in 2026.

Strnad recorded 58 tackles (23 solo), including 4.5 sacks, and three passes defensed, including one interception, across 16 games with Denver in 2025. Strnad finished his fifth season with Denver, recording career highs in sacks, passes defensed and interceptions. The 29-year-old linebacker saw ample playing time this season with fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw missing multiple games this season due to injury. Strnad will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his high level of play should make him an attractive option for teams around the league looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Strnad (foot) was a full participant in Monday's walkthrough practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports. Strnad was unable to play in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars due to a foot injury. However, his full participation in Monday's session indicates that he's past the injury and on track to play Thursday against the Chiefs. Strnad could be deployed in a starting role at inside linebacker if Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) is unable to play.