Denver’s two year starter has opportunity to do big things in a smaller role.
Since joining the Denver Broncos practice squad in 2020, P.J. Locke was a developmental player and core special teamer. Then in 2023, he returned from preseason injury just in time to transform the secondary. His replacing of Delarrian Turner Yell was one of the catalysts of a defense that improved from worst in NFL history through six weeks to pretty good the rest of the season. He proved himself a versatile safety worthy of starting in the NFL. When the safety market was not electric in free agency, Locke chose to resign with Denver on a two year contract.
Then in 2024 he had an ok year. He was a substantially better tackler than in 2023, but he had fewer big plays (interceptions, sacks, pressures) and he was worse in coverage (the worst on the team). After being the Swiss army knife of the Broncos defense in 2023, he was a weaker link in a much better defense in 2024. He gave up many more yards, more touchdowns, and a higher completion percentage than the prior year.
Player Profile
P.J. Locke | Safety | #6
Age: 28 | Experience: 6th year | College: Texas
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 202 pounds
2024 Stats: 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed, 1 sack, 74 total tackles.
How P.J. Locke fits in with the Broncos in 2024
Denver has three projected starting caliber safeties going into 2025: Locke, Brandon Jones, and Talanoa Hufanga, plus other players they hope develop behind these three. Unless unexpected things happen, Locke should be a reserve, and hopefully return to his role as a Swiss army knife defender, instead of being exploitable in a more predictable role. He also is invaluable depth if either Jones, or more likely Hufanga suffer injuries and need replacements. Expect Locke to be all over the field, and continue to be used as a versatile solution to whatever the game plan of the week needs in Denver’s heavy nickel and dime formations, and to be a major special team contributor as in years past.
Final Thoughts
Last year Locke was a starter and suffered setbacks. Then the Broncos went out and spent good money to bring in a replacement in Talanoa Hufanga. These developments have not been good for Locke, and now he is nearing the end of his opportunities. He has had a great deal of success for a former undrafted free agent, and been a big part of Denver’s turn around. Hopefully in a more flexible role this year, he will be able to shine one last time as part of a special defense.