Broncos finally get their middle linebacker

The Denver Broncos finally have a middle linebacker.

And not just any middle linebacker; one of the best in the NFL in Dre Greenlaw, who Denver signed this week as a free agent. It’s been a minute since the Broncos defense had this kind of middle linebacker. No offense to Todd Davis, but Denver hasn’t had a middle linebacker like Greenlaw since Al Wilson.

That’s how long it’s been since the Broncos have had a dominant middle linebacker.

Greenlaw's injury history is the biggest concern or question surrounding this signing. But Sean Payton, George Paton, and Greg Penner wouldn’t make this deal if there were issues with Greenlaw’s health. Also, remember that Denver now has one of the best health and training programs in the NFL. Since Payton became head coach and brought with him Beau Lowery as the vice president of player health and performance, the Broncos have turned the page from being one of the worst in that area to arguably the best in the league (knock on wood).

When he’s healthy, there is no denying how good and menacing Greenlaw is on defense. And it’s something Denver has lacked in a major way for so long.

The veteran defender spent the first six years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started 56 games. He totaled 455 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, three interceptions, 14 passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a pair of defensive touchdowns.

For what it’s worth, according to Pro Football Focus, Greenlaw has recorded an 82.6 coverage grade since the start of 2022, which ranks fourth among linebackers with a minimum of 1,000 coverage snaps. PFF also graded him as the top available free-agent linebacker.

But it’s the experience and leadership he brings that are major aspects of this signing. Greenlaw has 12 games of playoff experience, including four conference title games and two Super Bowl appearances. The 49ers held the Kansas City Chiefs scoreless through the first 20 minutes of Super Bowl LVIII before Greenlaw suffered an injury in the second quarter.

For a team that just played in its first playoff game in almost a decade, that kind of experience is huge. Not to mention knowing how to defend Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense.

Yes, Greenlaw needs to stay healthy and on the field. Here’s hoping he’s put the injury bug behind him. If he does, he’ll make an immediate impact on an already great defense and fill a hole that’s been present on this team for what feels like forever.