Broncos make contract decision for Mr. Irrelevant, Red Murdock

Broncos make contract decision for Mr. Irrelevant, Red Murdock originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos had the honor of making the last pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That means they got to choose who Mr. Irrelevant would be.

They went with Red Murdock, a linebacker from the University of Buffalo.

Murdock's NFL journey took its next step on Wednesday when the Broncos signed him to his rookie contract, according to local TV reporter Benjamin Allbright.

The contract for Murdock will be a four-year deal for a total of $4.5 million, and it comes with a signing bonus of $122,600.

Murdock, who has his nickname because he was born with red hair and freckles, was immensely productive in the MAC.

In 2024, he notched 156 tackles, and he had another 142 tackles in 2025.

He was named a second-team All-American in his final college season.

Murdock also holds one FBS record: He forced 17 fumbles in his college career. No one has ever forced more.

Those traits add up to a player the Broncos decided they wanted in their building. Murdock will be able to look at all the players chosen in front of him and use them as motivation to prove the football world wrong.

If he comes even close to his level of college productivity, he'll be a huge win for the Broncos, and now with his contract signed, he's ready to keep taking steps forward.