5 players the Denver Broncos could lose quickly in free agency

Denver Broncos FA leaving soon #2: Alexander Johnson, LB

Over the past few seasons, Alexander Johnson has really become a solid starting inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

With his size and play speed, Johnson is a very effective run defender and his pectoral injury wound up being a back-breaker in a few games for the Denver Broncos’ run defense.

While it’s possible that Johnson could be a scheme fit for new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who is bringing over many similar concepts from the Los Angeles Rams, Johnson is also entering his age 30 season and probably would like to get his biggest NFL pay day to date, especially considering he’s coming off of that pectoral injury.

Given the Broncos’ needs and priorities elsewhere, I don’t think Johnson is going to be back unless it’s at the team’s price.

There’s always a chance, and you never say never when it comes to NFL free agency, but if the Broncos are going to be trying to re-sign anyone in-house, my guess is that conversation will start with Josey Jewell and then move to Johnson and Kenny Young.

I think Johnson will have a decent market and will get some solid guarantees on a 2-3 year deal, but not from Denver.