The Denver Broncos enter the offseason with major questions at the inside linebacker position. Both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are slated to be free agents. Between the two of them, they played over 1,500 defensive snaps last season. That’s a lot of reps to look to replace if they feel the need to revamp the room.
The Broncos also have Dre Greenlaw in the fold who would appear to be first in line for more playing time next season. Unfortunately, availability has been an issue for Greenlaw, who has suffered multiple injuries over the course of his career. In fact, some have floated that the Broncos could move on from him this offseason as a surprise cut.
Outside of him, the have former third-round pick Drew Sanders (who has not played much due to injury) and a handful of former UDFA players in Jordan Turner, Karene Reid, and Levelle Bailey. My gut tells me Denver would prefer to bring back at least Singleton or Strnad. Nevertheless, if they don’t, finding a starting caliber player in free agency or drafting someone early on is a must. If they choose the veteran route, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean could be a player they consider.
Player Profile
Linebacker | Nakobe Dean | Philadelphia Eagles
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 231 pounds
Age: 25 years old
Experience: 4 NFL seasons
2025 stats: 92 carries for 400 yards (4.3 YPC) and 2 rushing touchdowns. 8 receptions on 12 targets for 25 yards.
Should the Broncos sign linebacker Nakobe Dean?
A former five-star recruit and high-profile player for the Georgia Bulldogs, Dean experienced a draft day tumble in April of 2022 for various reasons. The primary being a torn pectoral muscle that limited his participation throughout the pre-draft process along with other medical concerns. Alas, those questions about his durability and ability to stay on the field have followed him to the NFL. In four seasons with Philadelphia, he has appeared in just 47 games with 27 starts.
When healthy, Dean has been lauded for his run defense, ability to cover, and being a leader on the Eagles’ defense. In 2024, he was a 15-game starter and notched 128 tackles, 9 of them for loss, 3 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and fumble recovery. This past season, various injuries limited the former Bulldog to just 10 games with 8 starts, registering 55 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.
In coverage, he is fundamentally sound and has great athleticism and range. To date, he has yet to give up a receiving touchdown. The Broncos’ defense has had trouble covering running backs and tight ends in recent years, and Dean’s ability to shut down the opposition in that regard would be a good fit. On top of that, he would excel as a ‘pressure player’ in Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme and has generated a lot of sacks and pressures on blitzes the past two years.
So, should the Broncos be interested? Sure, but it would have to be at an affordable price point given the significant injury concern. For whatever its worth, the soon-to-be free agent spoke to Luca Evans of the Denver Post and expressed interest in joining the franchise in free agency.
Why the Broncos will not sign Nakobe Dean in free agency.
As mentioned above, the injury concerns might give the Broncos’ brass a reason to pause on adding Dean. It could very well be a situation where they don’t want to go that road again. Especially considering how much Greenlaw was limited this past year due to injury. In my opinion, they are more likely to go a route with a player who has more starting experience and has proven himself durable. Though there is no doubt Dean is a great playmaker when healthy.
Final Thoughts
I’m not against adding Dean into the mix, but he shouldn’t be the only player they consider if they do. As mentioned earlier, it would have to be on a cost-effective ‘prove it’ deal. All things considered, it would be wise for the Broncos to draft a player from a deep class who has starting ability as well.
What do you think, Broncos Country? How would you feel about Denver adding Nakobe Dean to their linebacker corps? Sound off in the comments section and let me know what you think.