The Denver Broncos are looking to strengthen their linebacker depth and are considering options in free agency. Currently, Alex Singleton and Cody Barton are starting, with Justin Strnad and Kristian Welch providing backup as primarily special team players. Drew Sanders, a third-round pick in 2023, is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an Achilles injury.
According to 9News’ Mike Klis, Kwon Alexander, 30, is aiming to play his 10th season. He has experience as a starter with the Buccaneers, 49ers, Saints (under Broncos head coach Sean Payton in 2020-21), Jets, and Steelers. After tearing his Achilles last November, he is expected to be ready to play.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Buccaneers in 2015, Alexander had a notable four-season stint there, highlighted by a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017. He then signed with the 49ers in 2019 before being traded to the Saints in 2020. Throughout his career, he has earned $33.8 million and was on a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Steelers, making him a potentially cost-effective addition for any team. Besides the Broncos, he has recently worked out for the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.
In the 2023 season, Alexander played nine games for the Steelers, starting twice and recording 41 tackles, five for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception, and one pass deflection before his season ended due to the Achilles injury. He has been training since April.
In 2022, he started 12 of 17 games with the Jets, accumulating 69 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection.
This pursuit aligns with the Broncos’ plan to enhance their roster, which began at the end of the preseason. Klis noted in August that the team was looking to add depth at inside linebacker, with Singleton and Barton as the starters, while also considering Strnad and rookie Levelle Bailey. Bailey remains on the practice squad, while Jonas Griffith is recovering from surgery for an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023 season and the last eight games of 2022.
