Updating a previous report, free-agent linebacker Justin Strnad had a change of heart and is now re-signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday night, according to a source. Strnad was close to finalizing a deal with the Carolina Panthers but chose to stay with the Broncos, the team that drafted him in 2020 in the fifth round (178th overall) out of Wake Forest. The 27-year-old had his best season in his rookie year in 2021, recording 36 tackles (23 solo) in 16 games played (five starts). He's played in a total of 50 games in his three NFL campaigns, but he's made only five starts and is set to continue in a relief role in the linebacking corps and on special teams in Denver in 2024.
Panthers Agree To One-Year Deal With Justin Strnad
The Carolina Panthers agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday with former Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad, according to a league source. Strnad reunites with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after spending the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Broncos. Last year in Denver, the 27-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2020 out of Wake Forest had just five tackles (four solo) in 17 games played (zero starts). Strnad's best season came in his rookie year in 2021, when he had 36 tackles (23 solo) in 16 games (five starts). Now in the NFC, Strnad will most likely continue to represent linebacking depth while also filling in on special teams for the Panthers.
Broncos Draft Linebacker Justin Strnad In Fifth Round
The Denver Broncos selected Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad with their fifth-round pick (178th overall) in the NFL Draft. Linebacker was an area of need for Denver coming into the draft, and they finally addressed it with Strnad. He has the ideal frame for a linebacker and great athleticism. He'll need to read plays quicker to break through as an NFL starter.
Justin Strnad
• ILB
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Broncos
