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Report suggests Broncos will be trying everything at linebacker in 2026
TL;DR
The Denver Broncos are exploring various options for their linebacker positions ahead of the 2026 season, with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper confirmed as outside starters. Inside linebacker roles remain uncertain, with potential changes including moving Jonah Elliss from outside to inside.
Key points
- Broncos exploring linebacker options for 2026 season
- Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper confirmed as outside starters
- Jonah Elliss may transition from outside to inside linebacker
- Drew Sanders expected to return to outside linebacker
Denver BroncosNik BonittoJonathon CooperAlex Singleton
Report suggests Broncos will be trying everything at linebacker in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos will have an interesting group of linebackers leading into the 2026 season.
The only thing that is for sure, at least as of right now, is that Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper will be starting on the outside. On the inside, things are much more up in the air.
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad were both re-signed this offseason and will be the projected starters. But the Broncos could add depth in the draft and there was the news that the team will look to move third-year linebacker Jonah Elliss from the outside to the inside.
It will be interesting to see how Elliss transitions to that role, but according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports, the Broncos will be moving Drew Sanders back to the outside. Sanders will be entering his fourth year in the league. He has played in just four games across the past two seasons after missing the entire 2025 season with an injury.
Q&A
Who are the confirmed starting linebackers for the Broncos in 2026?
Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are confirmed as the starting outside linebackers for the Broncos in 2026.
What changes might the Broncos make to their linebacker roster before the 2026 season?
The Broncos may add depth through the draft and are considering moving Jonah Elliss from outside linebacker to inside linebacker.
What is Drew Sanders' status for the Broncos linebacker lineup in 2026?
Drew Sanders is expected to be moved back to outside linebacker after missing the entire 2025 season due to injury.
