Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fifth-year inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, No. 50.
Before the Broncos: Griffith (6-4, 250 pounds) entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana State with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. After falling to make San Fran’s 53-man roster, Griffith had a brief stint on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts. After being cut by Indy, Griffith finished his rookie season on the 49ers’ practice squad.
He played well on defense and special teams during preseason in 2021, catching the attention of the linebacker-needy Broncos.
Broncos tenure: Denver acquired Griffith from San Francisco via trade ahead of the 2021 season. The Broncos sent future sixth and seventh-round picks to the 49ers in exchange for Griffith and a seventh-round pick. The linebacker played in 13 games that year, earning four fill-in starts.
Griffith started eight games in 2022 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. After he returned to the team last summer, Griffith suffered a torn ACL in training camp and missed the entire 2023 season.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. Now healthy again, Griffith is set to compete with Cody Barton for a starting linebacker spot this summer. Even if he doesn’t end up starting in Week 1, Griffith is poised to be one of the team’s top three linebackers and a key special teams player in 2024.
