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Broncos roster: P.J. Locke (No. 6) now fighting for playing time at safety
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- Broncos roster: P.J. Locke (No. 6) now fighting for playing time at safety
Broncos Wire 's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year safety P.J. Locke , No. 6.
Before the Broncos :Locke (5-10, 202 pounds) originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2019 NFL draft. After being let go by the Steelers, Locke later signed to the Broncos ' practice squad in December 2019.
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Broncos tenure:Locke remained with the Broncos after 2019, making the active roster in 2020. Locke's first year was a quiet one, as he only recorded three tackles (two solo, one assisted). The following season, Locke totaled six tackles (five solo, one assisted) and one QB hit. In 2022, Locke started getting into a groove, though mostly as a reserve. In 16 games played, Locke deflected one pass, forced two fumbles, 22 total tackles (11 solo, 11 assisted) and one tackle for loss.
Locke had a breakthrough year in 2023. Though he started the year as a reserve, Locke got his chance at the full-time job when then-starting safety Kareem Jackson was suspended twice by the NFL for forceful helmet-to-helmet hits. During Jackson's suspensions, Locke played well in his place. So well, in fact, the Broncos cut Jackson after his second suspension. Locke ended up starting eight games in 2023, intercepting one pass, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, three sacks, 53 total tackles (33 solo, 20 assisted) and two tackles for loss.
In 2024, Locke was a full-time starter at the beginning of a season for the first time for 15 games, where he had two pass deflections, one forced fumble, one sack, 74 total tackles (50 solo, 24 assisted), three tackles for loss and one QB hit.
Chances to make the 53-man roster:Likely. Locke lost his starting job this offseason when the Broncos signed Talanoa Hufanga . He is still a strong candidate to serve as a rotational safety, but Locke is not a lock (no pun intended to make the team). Denver could save $4.19 million in salary cap space if Locke is cut this summer.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: P.J. Locke now fighting for playing time at safety
