“Getting him to sign is the main focus” Broncos makes signing of excellent safety a major priority this offseason.

P.J. Locke had a breakthrough during his fourth Broncos season.

In the last two minutes of Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Locke made a cut across the field to intercept a deep throw from quarterback Jordan Love within Broncos territory, giving the team a 19–17 victory.

Denver went on a five-game winning streak after the safety’s first career interception. Locke went from being a mainstay on special teams to starting in place of veteran Kareem Jackson while serving two bans for illegal hits before being released in December.

Now that Locke is expected to become a free agent, the Broncos must decide what to do. Locke stated he doesn’t want to think about the future, but he will seize the chance to continue as Denver’s starting safety.

“If everything works out (that) way, then for sure,” he told reporters this month.

This offseason, Denver has a long list of things it has to work out. One of the more important decisions is whether or not to resign Locke, particularly in light of the safety room’s current state.

Two plays into a Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Caden Sterns, who has had season-ending injuries the last two years, tore his patella tendon. He is now rehabilitating.

Sterns anticipates participating in OTAs and the offseason program, but he is unsure if he will be ready to play right away. Meanwhile, during the home victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, second-year safety Delarrin Turner-Yell tore his ACL.

Although Denver has high expectations for JL Skinner, the team’s sixth-round draft selection in 2023, the former standout from Boise State only saw one defensive play in two games during the previous campaign and is still relatively untested.

Furthermore, Justin Simmons, who The Associated Press named a second-team All-Pro, is nearing the end of his contract and has no guaranteed income.

With so many question marks at the position, Locke will have a solid chance to secure a starting spot should Denver decide to retain him.

Locke was instrumental in Denver’s defensive transformation. Locke established a noteworthy role while Jackson was absent due to a toe injury, missing the first four games due to the injury. In 12 games (eight starts), he participated in 69% of Denver’s defensive plays and finished with 53 tackles, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

Locke was a strong physical player who also brought another dimension to the game with three sacks gained from blitzing the quarterback. According to Pro Football Reference, he blitzed nine times in 2023, which is second most for a Denver defensive back behind cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian’s 19 attempts.

Locke used his speed and timing to fly in off the edge and strip-sack quarterback P.J. Walker in the victory over the Browns in November. In Week 14, he did the same thing against the Chargers, slipping past offensive lineman Rashawn Slater to strip-sack quarterback Easton Stick, who was not anticipating the oncoming pressure.

“Some guys have a knack for timing and a knack for gaining speed quickly and making left and right turns quickly,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “He has that knack. He hits his target, and doesn’t miss too many opportunities when he blitzes clean.”

Due to Denver’s salary cap situation, it won’t be a big spender in free agency. Re-signing Locke, who earned $1.4 million in 2023, would give the Broncos an impactful player who’s familiar with the defense and won’t break the bank.

Locke might benefit from agreeing to a one-year contract with the Broncos as well. Should he come back and improve on his 2023 performance, he might position himself for a larger salary in 2025.

Locke stated, “We will consider it when the time comes.”