Broncos should consider trade to bring in former linebacker, who may be available

3 hours ago 1

The Denver Broncos are less than two weeks out from the start of training camp, and one of the biggest questions facing the team is at the inside linebacker position.

The Broncos re-signed both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad in the offseason, but the team gave itself little room for error after moving on from Dre Greenlaw. The Broncos used a seventh-round pick on Red Murdock, but the depth behind him is young and inexperienced, with all of the other players on the depth chart being undrafted free agents.

The Broncos may be waiting to see how this group looks together before making a move for another veteran, or they may be satisfied with the group that they have. It's hard to argue that the team doesn't need more depth at the position, however.

There are several good options available on the free-agent market, but trading for a veteran could be considered as well. As Moe Moton of Bleacher Report points out, the Tennessee Titans have one that they could be shopping, and he recently played for the Broncos.

Cody Barton spent the 2024 season with the Broncos and had a solid season for the team. After using a second-round pick on Anthony Hill Jr., he could be expendable in Tennessee.

"Under a new coaching regime, the Titans selected linebacker Anthony Hill in the second round of this year's draft, which may indicate that Barton could land on the trade block.

Linebacker Cedric Gray is a probable starter. If Hill picks up head coach Robert Saleh's scheme at training camp, Barton may be the No. 3 linebacker on the depth chart. He would likely draw interest on the trade market after logging 81 tackles (four for loss), three interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season", wrote Moton.

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 18, 2024

If a trade were to be made, the Broncos would likely position Barton as a No. 3 linebacker as well, at least to begin the season, but there would be much more confidence in the depth behind Singleton and Strnad with him there.

Barton had 106 tackles for the Broncos in 2024 with 1.15 sacks, one fumble recovery (which he returned for a touchdown) and two interceptions. The team could also obtain him for a late-round pick in the draft, making this a sensible idea.

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If the Broncos aren't going to sign a big-name veteran such as Bobby Wagner or Bobby Okereke before the season starts, this is one of the better ideas out there in terms of improving the inside linebacker position.