The Denver Broncos want to dominate on defense in 2026, and to do that, they are going to need to fill in their roster at safety. Starters Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga are absolute ballers, but behind them are special teamers Devon Key and JL Skinner.
Last season, PJ Locke stepped in late for an injured Brandon Jones and honestly showed that he’s well able to be the guy that keeps things going if your starting safety is out. He’s grown quite a bit in his time under Vance Joseph and seems to be a natural
fit to be re-signed in free agency.
Player Profile
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 202 pounds
Age: 29
Experience: 6 NFL seasons
2025 stats: 3 passes defended, 16 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
OverTheCap projects his salary to be in the $3M range.
Why the Broncos should sign
Locke is a veteran who understands this defense and exactly what he’s supposed to do in it if he’s needed as a backup safety. He looked comfortable, confident, and able to step late in the season, where the Broncos couldn’t afford a liability in pass coverage with big game after big game being played.
Why the Broncos shouldn’t sign
There’s an opportunity to develop a replacement for Brandon Jones this season. Locke doesn’t fit that direction, given that he’s in a similar contract spot as Jones. The Broncos shouldn’t sign Locke if that’s the direction they want to take this team, especially if they really like one or more safeties in this year’s draft.
Final thoughts
Locke is a player who, two years ago, I thought didn’t have what it took to play at the NFL level. He absolutely changed my mind this season with how he played in big games for the Broncos. I’d honestly love to have him back if he is comfortable being the backup safety for this defense.
If the contract cost to sign him gets high at all, I don’t think the Broncos should get too spendy. It just doesn’t seem wise to pay 3 safeties a ton of money and sit one of them.
Is Broncos Country ready to move on from PJ Locke? Do we think he’s a milquetoast option at safety? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you think.
