Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos middle linebacker Steven Johnson (53) during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos look to add some depth at the linebacker position. Steven Johnson is coming back after all.
Steven Johnson and the Denver Broncos have agreed on a tenure deal for one year. The deal is worth $785,000 dollars, but does come with another $150,000 of incentives pending on his playing time. It appears that he will be backing up linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall on the depth chart.
This is a solid move for the Broncos, especially when it comes to depth. He was a solid special teams player during the 2014 season and played a few games when Nate Irving was shut down for the season due to injury. The only thing that he needs to improve on is the pass coverage, which he has stated that he looks to improve on during the offseason with Chris Harris so that he can develop into a three down linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
#Broncos Steven Johnson said will use this offseason to improve coverage skills. "Be a three-down guy." He's working out w Chris Harris
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 10, 2015
Steven Johnson will look to continue to become a contributor on special teams and fill in at linebacker if needed. He is entering his fifth season in the league. He played in 14 games last season and started seven of them, recording 32 tackles, half of a sack and a fumble recovery.
With the Broncos looking to switch over to the 3-4 defense, it will be interesting to see his role as a backup in Wade Phillips defense and he looks to contribute to the best of his abilities in 2015.
While the Broncos are still looking to improve their team overall, they made a smart move in securing some depth at the linebacker position, which has been a bit cursed the past two seasons. With injuries to Danny Trevathan, Nate Irving, and Von Miller to name a few for the past couple seasons, it is important for a team to have depth at all positions and Steven Johnson proves that in hopes he can help the team out either short or long term.