Justin Strnad returns to Broncos after agreeing to deal with Panthers

Sike!

At 7:17 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reported that the Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with former Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad. But now, about three hours later, Strnad is no longer a “former” Denver Broncos linebacker.

Per NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the 27-year-old has had a change of heart and will, instead, return to the Broncos on a one-year deal.

Denver selected the Wake Forest University product in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. After sitting out what would have been his rookie campaign due to a wrist injury, Strnad debuted in the 2021 season—where he made five starts over 16 contests.

Strnad posted 36 combined tackles and a quarterback hit that year, both of which remain as career-highs. He played exclusively on special teams for the Broncos in 2022 and 2023.

The Panthers, however, at least came away with wide receiver David Moore—who agreed to terms around the same time Strnad did.