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.