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Denver Broncos Successfully Re-Sign Veteran Defensive End with an Unbelievable Deal - Building the Strongest Defense in the AFC West with Alex Singleton Taking on a New Role

Denver, Colorado – March 12, 2026 – The Denver Broncos made a brilliant move in the 2026 offseason by re-signing veteran defensive lineman Matt Henningsen (#91) on a one-year deal at an unbelievable price – veteran minimum of approximately $1.1 million (with a base salary around $1.145 million plus minor bonuses). This is considered a massive “steal” for the Broncos, allowing them to maintain defensive line depth without burning significant cap space.

“I’m here to express my deep gratitude to the Broncos, the team that brought me back. It feels like they saved my career after a devastating 2025 season ruined by injury. I swear I’ll play with 200% of my ability every single time this team needs me,” – Matt Henningsen said during the contract signing ceremony.

Henningsen, 26, was a sixth-round pick (206th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin. He performed solidly in 2022–2023, appearing in all 34 games with 40 tackles, 1 sack, and rotational contributions along the defensive line. After spending 2024 on the practice squad, he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury during training camp in August 2025 (in a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers), causing him to miss the entire 2025 season (placed on injured reserve).

Although the Broncos did not tender him as a restricted free agent (minimum tender would have been $3.52 million), they quickly brought him back on this bargain contract after losing several defensive linemen, most notably John Franklin-Myers signing with the Tennessee Titans. Henningsen will provide valuable depth and competition at defensive end/defensive tackle, bolstering the interior line under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

This move is part of the Broncos’ strategy to retain core players, alongside one-year re-signings of TE Lucas Krull and FB Adam Prentice, and especially the two-year, $15.5 million deal (with $11 million guaranteed) for LB Alex Singleton. Singleton, the defensive captain and primary signal-caller, continues to lead the unit as the central communicator and play-caller, while Henningsen adds strength and motivation to the defensive front.

With key pieces like Singleton (a multi-year leading tackler and captain), D.J. Jones (DT captain), Zach Allen (2026 Pro Bowl defensive lineman), and now a healthy, fired-up Henningsen, the Broncos are positioning themselves to have the strongest defense in the AFC West – ready to challenge the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders head-on. Henningsen’s “200%” commitment could become the surprise factor that elevates Denver’s defense to elite status in the NFL.

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The Denver community is mourning the loss of a former Broncos RB and Hollywood legend – A piece of the franchise’s history is gone, but his legacy will live on forever.
The Denver Broncos community is grieving after learning that former running back Sam Scarber has passed away at the age of 76. His passing is not only a loss for football, but also the farewell of a unique figure who made a lasting mark in Hollywood. Although his NFL career was not long, Scarber is still remembered as a meaningful part of the Broncos’ rich and storied history. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft, carrying high expectations from his standout college career. However, his NFL journey was short-lived after being released before the regular season officially began, cutting his time in Denver unexpectedly short. Scarber went on to continue playing with other teams before eventually stepping away from football due to injuries that ended his playing career. That decision opened a new chapter in his life — one that would lead him to a successful and memorable career in Hollywood. Scarber moved to Los Angeles and quickly built a name for himself in the highly competitive entertainment industry. He appeared in several iconic television shows, including Seinfeld, Cheers, and All in the Family, becoming a recognizable presence on screen. His talent and determination allowed him to sustain a career in entertainment that spanned multiple decades and reached wide audiences. More than just an actor, Scarber became a symbol of reinvention after life in professional sports came to an end. In 2018, he was inducted into the University of New Mexico’s Hall of Honor, recognizing his outstanding contributions during his college years. His impressive college statistics still stand as a testament to the talent he displayed long before his professional journey began. Even Broncos fans who only saw him briefly still hold deep respect for the path he carved out in both sports and entertainment. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes across social media from multiple generations of fans honoring his life and career. Many describe him as a symbol of resilience — someone who refused to give up after football and found new success elsewhere. In a competitive sports world, Scarber’s story serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance and the ability to redefine oneself. The Denver Broncos organization also expressed condolences, emphasizing that he will always remain a part of the team’s history. Scarber’s legacy is not just defined by numbers, but by the journey he took and the impact he left behind. Though he is gone, his memory and influence will continue to live on in the hearts of Broncos fans and the Hollywood community.

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