The Denver Broncos took to the free agent market to resolve their depth issues with starting linebackers Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw and backup Drew Sanders navigating injuries, signing former Houston Texans draft pick Garret Wallow.
The No. 170 overall pick in 2021, Wallow last appeared in a game in 2023, splitting the campaign with the Texans and their AFC South Rival, the Tennessee Titans.
“We’ve signed LB Garret Wallow,” the Broncos announced in a post on X on August 1.
Wallow was chosen from among a hefty swath of tryouts for the Broncos.
“#Broncos according to NFL transaction report had tryouts today with (from UCLA) LB Krys Barnes, UNCC WR Grant DuBose, Texas A&M LB Anthony Hines, BYU WR Dax Milne, Mississippi WR Braylon Sanders, Indiana LB Jailin Walker and TCU LB Garret Wallow,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X on July 29.
Wallow, 26, has logged 42 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 pass deflection, and 1.0 sacks in three seasons, missing 2024 on injured reserve. He has mostly been a special teams player in his career.
Wallow’s role and future with the Broncos are unclear, even with the uncertainty around their veterans.
The Broncos waived 2022 undrafted free agent cornerback Mario Goodrich to fit Wallow.
Broncos Get ‘Great News’ About Injured Trio
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
Wallow’s arrival will allow the Broncos to give Greenlaw and Singleton as much time to recover as they need. That may not be much, though, with Broncos head coach Sean Payton noting Greenlaw’s medical scans came back clean after he left practice early on Thursday.
“He felt a tweak. Fortunately, the scans were good,” Payton told reporters about Greenlaw after practice on Friday, which the veteran attended as a non-participant beyond stretching and warm-ups. “We’re going to be smart with bringing him back, but we see him getting work and being a part of next week. We’re fortunate there.”
DNVR Broncos Zac Stevens called the updates on Greenlaw and others “great news.”
Good news: Dre Greenlaw is moving around really well at Broncos practice even though he’s not practicing. He does not have any brace or sleeve on. pic.twitter.com/9OT1HCbmVg
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 1, 2025
Payton offered a similar update for rookie fourth-round pick Que Robinson (bone bruise).
Singleton was also present for Friday’s practice, also as a non-participant and sporting a wrap on his thumb. Wallow could have a spot on the Broncos as long as they remain out.
Broncos Special Teamer Getting Chance to Make Statement
GettyJustin Strnad #40 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the New York Jets.
Even without Wallow, the Broncos have several young players they can turn to, including former undrafted free agents JB Brown (2025) and Levelle Bailey (2024). However, veteran special teamer Justin Strnad can look to capitalize on Singleton’s absence, in particular.
Strnad re-signed with the Broncos on a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the expectation of competing for a starting spot. That is unlikely with Greenlaw and Singleton healthy.
Still, Strnad can take advantage of his additional reps with the top-line defense in training camp.
Justin Strnad has been a true bright spot for Denver's defense since the injury to Alex Singleton. (Credit to Zach Allen, DJ Jones, and Malcolm Roach for eating up blockers in the majority of these clips keeping Strnad clean) pic.twitter.com/ML9pabjVkV
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) October 17, 2024
Strnad turns 29 in August. He started eight games for the Broncos in 2024. Strnad tallied career-highs with 73 total stops (8 for loss) and 3.0 sacks. Having Wallow around allows the Broncos to keep Strnad and whomever else fresh for first-team reps in practice for now.
