P.J. Locke Billed as 'Most Likely' Broncos Cap Casualty

The starting safety could be a release candidate this offseason.

Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis (12) hangs on to a touchdown pass as he is defended by Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Denver Broncos starting safety P.J. Locke recently was listed by Bleacher Report as the team's "most likely" salary cap casualty when the 2025 new league year begins.

The outlet also mentioned inside linebacker Alex Singleton and tight end Adam Trautman as potential offseason release candidates.

"P.J. Locke made his way from a reserve player to a full-time starter in 2024, but that wasn't necessarily a good thing for the Broncos defense," according to BR's NFL Scouting Department. "He was often the weak link in pass coverage and gave up a passer rating of 125.8 when targeted. The Broncos have the foundation for a dominant secondary if they continue on their current path, however, swapping out Locke for another free agent could be the missing piece."

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A 2019 undrafted free agent who began his career on the practice squad, Locke has compiled 83 solo tackles, seven pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and one interception across 27 appearances over the last two seasons.

The 28-year-old (in February) started a personal-best 15 games in 2024, grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 90 safety among 98 qualifiers with poor marks in coverage (50.7) and run support (50.4).

Entering a contract year, Locke is due to collect $2.99 million in base salary for the 2025 campaign. The Broncos would save $4.19 million by releasing him prior to June 1, leaving behind $1 million in dead money.

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