Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) celebrated after sacking New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the first quarter of an NFL game on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Broncos’ decision last March to enhance their offer to keep linebacker Justin Strnad is proving to be a wise move.
After four years with Denver, Strnad hit free agency, and reports suggested he had agreed to join Carolina. However, that deal never materialized, and Strnad ultimately re-signed with the Broncos, receiving a $250,000 signing bonus and $500,000 guaranteed on his one-year, $1.055 million contract.
Strnad, a standout on special teams who hadn’t played a defensive snap since 2021, stepped in as a starter last Sunday against the Jets after Alex Singleton was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL. He recorded a sack on Aaron Rodgers during the very first play of the 10-9 victory at MetLife Stadium and concluded the game with four tackles, participating in 57 out of 74 defensive snaps.
“I’m glad it all worked out, for sure,” Strnad told The Denver Gazette regarding his return to Denver.
The Denver Gazette’s predictions for Broncos-Raiders
Strnad admitted he was close to signing with the Panthers.
“It was just a situation where I was going back and forth a little bit,” he explained, looking forward to his second consecutive start against Las Vegas at Empower Field at Mile High. “I thought I was heading towards Carolina, but then someone tweeted or leaked it out before anything was finalized, and things changed.”
Singleton is certainly pleased that Strnad decided to stay with the Broncos.
“It was awesome because I knew he was nervous,” Singleton said about Strnad’s impressive start against the Jets. “We always talk about it. And to make that your first play, it’s exciting. I’m so happy for him.”
**Badie to IR, Bailey elevated**
On Saturday, the Broncos placed running back Tyler Badie on injured reserve due to a back injury sustained during the Jets game.
Coach Sean Payton had indicated earlier in the week that Badie would “possibly” be sidelined. Badie must miss at least four games, but sources indicate he is expected to return this season.
Additionally, the Broncos elevated linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster for the second consecutive game, providing depth in light of Singleton’s injury.
Badie was injured late in the first quarter after a hit from linebacker Quincy Williams, leading to a fumble. He was taken off the field on a stretcher but was later evaluated and found not to have a long-term injury. He returned to Denver on a commercial flight Sunday night.
**Broncos’ DJ Squizzy Taylor: ‘We’re supposed to hate the Raiders’ | Broncos Q&A**
The Broncos have not yet filled Badie’s spot on the active roster. Running back Audric Estime, who was placed on injured reserve after the September 8 opener against Seattle due to an ankle injury, is eligible to return after sitting out Sunday’s game. He could be activated for next Sunday’s home matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With Badie on IR and Estime still out, rookie Blake Watson is expected to serve as the third running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, making his active debut.
**Palczewski thrilled by Baldinger video**
Broncos right tackle Alex Palczewski isn’t active on social media, but he caught wind of a video posted by NFL Network analyst and former offensive lineman Brian Baldinger, which broke down his performance against the Jets.
Baldinger praised Palczewski, stating he “can’t get enough” of the second-year player and that “Denver found a player.”
“It was awesome,” said Palczewski, who went undrafted in 2023 out of Illinois and did not play in his rookie season. “I liked the video a lot. He’s very respected, and I hope to play well enough to get more of those in the future.”
Palczewski has performed well in two games since taking over for Mike McGlinchey, who suffered a knee injury against Pittsburgh on September 15 and was placed on injured reserve. McGlinchey reported he is healing well but could not confirm if he would return for the October 17 game in New Orleans.
“(Palczewski is) doing a phenomenal job,” said Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles. “He’s playing well, settling into the position, and doing what he needs to do. He approaches each game like a veteran, and I’m excited to see how he continues to improve.”
Despite his early success, Palczewski acknowledged he still has areas to work on.
“It’s been good so far, but there’s still so much to improve, especially finishing blocks and becoming more technically sound.”
