Key offseason decision by Chargers rival could backfire (and no one’s talking about it)

It's always fun watching division rivals struggle. This past season was the first time in nearly a decade that saw the Denver Broncos perform well, something Los Angeles Chargers fans didn't care for. The Broncos, like the Chargers, reached the playoffs but flamed out in the first round.

Something Chargers fans can hold onto hope for when it comes to the Broncos potentially coming back down to earth in 2025 is that one of their free-agent signings this offseason is already dealing with an injury. Dre Greenlaw, who spent the first six years of his career with the 49ers, joined the Broncos this offseason but is already dealing with a quad injury.

While we're certainly not rooting for injuries here, if Greenlaw can't stay healthy in Denver, the Broncos might be in a difficult spot at linebacker. Behind Greenlaw is former third-round pick Drew Sanders and behind him are J.B. Brown and Jordan Turner, both undrafted free agent rookies. The undrafted free-agents being an issue is self-explanatory but Sanders having to step in probably isn't great for Denver either considering he appeared in just four games last year.

Dre Greenlaw's injury could spell trouble for Broncos in 2025

Again, injuries are no fun but if Greenlaw, who missed all but two games in 2024 due to an injury he suffered in the previous year's Super Bowl against Kansas City, struggles to stay healthy and see the field, that weakens the Denver defense. The Broncos previously won a Super Bowl on the back of their defense and Chargers fans are hoping they don't find their elite form again.

If Greenlaw has to miss time, the Chargers have the rushing attack that can expose the Broncos run-defense. They signed Najee Harris this offseason and also spent a first-round pick on Omarion Hampton, two guys completely capable of running all over a weakened defense.

Greenlaw could end up being a very good signing for Denver but if this quad injury lingers, it's certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward.