Steven

Johnson

Johnson was given a $12,000 signing bonus, an indication the Broncos faced competition for his services. A former walk-on, Johnson didn’t start for Kansas until he was a fifth-year senior, but is a high-motor player with excellent football instincts. He’ll look to make the Broncos as a special teamer.

Johnson received a $12K signing bonus as an undrafted free agent last year, indicating the Broncos gave him a draftable grade. Both Johnson and Irving were stalwarts on special teams, while Keith Brooking was the starter in the middle. Brooking, now a 37-year-old free agent, isn’t expected to be re-signed.

Johnson was set to be a free agent after signing a one-year deal last offseason. He played in just six games before an ankle injury sent him to IR. Johnson will return in a special teams role.

The Broncos have spent wildly to upgrade their defense, but they didn’t get in on three-down middle linebackers like D’Qwell Jackson, Karlos Dansby, Jon Beason or Daryl Smith. So they’re left with Irving, who has performed better as a strong-side linebacker than a “Mike” in his career. For now, he only has to beat out Steven Johnson and likely a draft pick to win the gig.

Tennessee needed depth behind starters Zach Brown and Avery Williamson. Johnson should serve mostly in a special teams role.

Not tendered in restricted free agency, Johnson will return to Denver on a cheaper price tag than the $1.542 million lowest-possible tender. The 27-year-old is an effective special teamer and provides inside linebacker depth.

Johnson will become an unrestricted free agent. Johnson had nine special teams tackles and logged 251 defensive snaps for the Broncos last season, but he is not seen as a good fit for new DC Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. Undrafted out of Kansas in 2012, Johnson should find interest on the open market.

Johnson is a special teamer. He’s appeared in 57 games the past four years.