Broncos lose safety P.J. Locke as he leaves Denver for Dallas

The Denver Broncos can’t keep everyone in free agency.

And another player is out the door.

One day after losing DL John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans, safety P.J. Locke is headed to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal. It’s worth up to $5 million, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

#Broncos FA S PJ Locke is signing with the #Cowboys on a 1-year deal worth $5M, source says. Another safety added in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/LD7vsyqVns

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2026

Locke joined the Broncos in December of 2019 following a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. He played all six of his NFL seasons in Denver thus far, appearing in 90 games with the Broncos from 2020-2025. 26 of those were starts.

In 2025, Locke took the field in 16 games for Denver, three of those regular season starts after the Broncos lost safety Brandon Jones to an injury. Overall, Locke finished with 16 tackles and three passes defended.

He played excellent in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills, recording nine tackles, forcing a fumble and having an interception of Bills QB Josh Allen. Locke also had three tackles against the New England Patriots in the AFC Title Game.

Clearly, the Broncos like the tandem of Jones and Talanoa Hufanga moving forward, but losing Locke hurts Denver’s safety depth. JL Skinner will likely get an opportunity to replace Locke as the team’s top backup safety.

Locke will get a chance to start in Dallas, so this is a good career move for him, but it’s certainly a bit of a bummer for Broncos Country.

(Update – 4:14 p.m.) –

Locke has posted a classy goodbye on social media.

Broncos Country,

For the past 7 years you guys have made Denver feel like home for my family and I. Things didn’t work out business wise, but just know you guys hold a very very special place in my heart that I can’t put into words. From the coaches, front office, friends,…

— James "PJ" Locke III (@PjLocke4) March 10, 2026

Related

Broncos offering half-price game tickets for as low as $23Colorado native earns a 99 rating in new ‘Madden’ game, but no BroncosIt’s time for the Broncos to unleash a new level of urgency under Davis WebbThe Jaylen Waddle hype has Brandon Stokley a little nervousDo the Broncos have room for two rookie tight ends on their 53-player roster?Broncos will begin training camp with two players on reserve lists