The Broncos have a number of key free agency decisions to make in the coming weeks, including with their linebacker corps. According to Mike Klis of 9News, one key piece the team is looking to re-up is Josey Jewell.
Klis reports that the team will meet with Jewell’s agent at the upcoming Scouting Combine this week. They will be in communication with any number of the team’s other pending free agents as well, but Klis notes that “there is an affinity for Jewell”, so he is likely to be among Denver’s priorities in March.
A fourth-round pick in 2018, Jewell has emerged as a key contributor to the Broncos’ defense. He played a larger role on special teams than defense in his first two campaigns, though he did make 12 starts during that span. In his third year, he took off, starting all 16 contests and recording 113 tackles, two sacks and four pass breakups.
The 27-year-old was limited to just two games in 2021 due to a torn pectoral muscle. However, as Klis writes, “all signs point to Jewell wanting to stay in Denver”, as he remained part of the team’s day-to-day routine even after the injury. If anything, it could drop the cost for any new deal he signs with Denver.
Besides Jewell, other pending free agents (both restricted and unrestricted) in the middle of the Broncos’ defense include Jonas Griffith, Natrez Patrick, Kenny Young, Alexander Johnson, and Micah Kiser. There is plenty of room for overhaul at the position, though it seems at least one member of the linebacker corps could be staying put.
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