Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton served as the Denver Broncos’ starting inside linebackers over the last two seasons. Singleton is under contract for two more years, but the team lost Jewell during NFL free agency this spring.
The Broncos are now set to have an open competition at linebacker this summer with Jonas Griffith and Cody Barton the top contenders to replace Jewell. While Griffith and Barton seem to be the favorites, Andre Smith, Justin Strnad and even undrafted rookie Levelle Baily will get a chance to compete.
“I think all of those guys [will compete],” coach Sean Payton said on June 11. “We have a young guy from Fresno [Bailey]. All three of those guys are competing at ‘Mike.’ We’re rotating their reps, much the same way [as we are at] quarterback. We’ll continue to do that.”
Singleton has his spot secured and he is set to feature as a leader on Denver’s defense this fall.
“He’ll wear the green dot more than likely, and he’ll have a leadership role,” Payton said. “He has a way about him. He too likes the process. He’s experienced. He’s arrived here the hard way. To his credit, a guy like him has earned everything he’s got. Definitely, you feel his leadership.”
Singleton, 30, has totaled 340 tackles through his first two seasons with the Broncos. He can help mentor and coach up whoever ends up starting next to him this fall.
“He’s a very vocal guy,” outside linebacker Baron Browning said of Singleton. “We love his energy, and we love to feed off his energy. He’s just a guy who plays with his hair on fire, and I’m grateful to have him on my team.”
The question going into the summer is, who will join Singleton at ILB? Much like the QB battle, the ILB competition will heat up during training camp with the final decision being made during preseason.
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