Singleton, a veteran who has started 47 of 53 games for Denver, has emerged as a standout within the unit and is widely viewed as a potential free-agent prize. His performance has drawn praise for run defense, though questions about coverage and overall consistency linger, making his market value a key focal point as the Broncos balance cap space with on-field needs.
Paton reiterated the Broncos’ desire to retain Singleton and Strnad, noting that the draft will not be the primary factor in decisions about those two players. He acknowledged the difficulty of relying on rookies at middle linebacker, highlighting the importance of experienced depth at that position. The club has also pursued several linebacker prospects at the 2026 combine, signaling a proactive approach to filling potential vacancies.
The ongoing conversations come as Singleton is viewed by analysts as a “hidden gem” in free agency, coming off a solid, if not fully defined, season in Denver. He has spent four seasons with the Broncos, accumulating 35 starts in the last three campaigns and serving as a two-time team captain, which underscores his leadership value on and off the field.
Contractually, Singleton is coming off a three-year, $18 million deal with Denver, and industry projections place his next contract in the vicinity of two years and around $9 million to $10 million, depending on market dynamics and the Broncos’ retention strategy. With roughly $28.6 million in projected cap space before adjustments, Denver faces a careful balancing act between preserving core contributors and allocating resources to other pressing needs.
In summary, Singleton’s status remains uncertain but highly consequential for Denver’s roster plans this offseason. The Broncos’ approach appears aligned with Payton’s emphasis on evaluating internal options at linebacker, while Paton signals a willingness to keep veteran pieces in place if the fit is right. As free agency looms, Singleton will likely be among the top conversations shaping Denver’s defense for 2026 and beyond.
