Broncos Secure Justin Strnad With Three-Year, $18 Million Contract Extension

Linebacker Justin Strnad has agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with the Denver Broncos after recording 4.5 sacks last season.

The Denver Broncos and linebacker Justin Strnad have finalized a three-year, $18 million contract that includes $10 million in guaranteed money. A source confirmed the terms of the Justin Strnad contract to ESPN following multiple reports of the agreement. This deal secures a defender who recently completed a season featuring 58 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one interception. Strnad also contributed three pass breakups during the most recent campaign, solidifying his role within a unit that set franchise records for sacks in consecutive years.

Defensive Impact and Statistical Milestones

Over the past two seasons, Strnad has surpassed 500 defensive snaps annually, providing critical stability to the front seven. His presence helped the Broncos finish as the NFL's No. 3 scoring defense. Despite being a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the linebacker has maintained a consistent presence on the active roster, appearing in at least 16 games during each of his five professional seasons.

His trajectory changed significantly after he saw zero defensive snaps during the 2022 and 2023 schedules. The 2024 season saw him step into a starting role for eight games following an ACL tear suffered by Alex Singleton. He matched that total with eight more starts this past year when Dre Greenlaw was sidelined by several thigh injuries. These opportunities allowed the former rookie, who missed his entire inaugural 2020 season due to a wrist injury, to prove his capability as a primary defensive contributor.

Special Teams Excellence and Roster Longevity

Beyond his defensive metrics, Strnad has established himself as one of the premier special teams players in the organization throughout his five-year tenure. His durability has been a hallmark of his career since returning from his initial wrist surgery, as he has not missed significant time in half a decade. This reliability was a key factor in the front office committing to the $18 million total value of the new agreement.

Franchise Defensive Rankings

The Broncos' defensive unit has thrived with Strnad in the rotation, achieving elite status in points allowed per game. By ranking third in scoring defense, the team has relied on the depth provided by players who can transition from special teams to starting roles seamlessly. The back-to-back franchise sack records further highlight the effectiveness of the pass rush schemes Strnad supported during his 4.5-sack campaign. Jeff Legwold of ESPN contributed to the reporting of these contractual figures and performance statistics.