The Broncos’ decision last March to sweeten the pot to retain linebacker Justin Strnad looks even better now.

Strnad became a free agent after four years with Denver, and there were media reports that he had agreed to sign with Carolina. But nothing was finalized, and Strnad re-signed with the Broncos when they agreed to give him a $250,000 signing bonus and guarantee $500,000 of his minimum one-year, $1,055 million deal.

Strnad, a special-teams ace who had not had a snap from scrimmage since 2021, started last Sunday against the New York Jets after Alex Singleton was lost for the season due to a torn ACL. He had a sack of Aaron Rodgers on the first play of the 10-9 win at MetLife Stadium and finished with four tackles while playing 57 of 74 defensive snaps.

“I’m glad it all worked out, for sure,’’ Strnad told The Denver Gazette about re-signing with Denver.

Strnad didn’t deny he came close to joining the Panthers.

“It was just a situation where I was going back and forth a little bit,’’ said Strnad, in line for his second straight start Sunday against Las Vegas at Empower Field at Mile High. “Then I thought I was going towards Carolina but someone, like, tweeted or leaked it out or something before it was finalized and then things ended up changing.”

Singleton sure is glad Strnad remained with the Broncos.

“It was awesome because I knew he was nervous,’’ Singleton said of the linebacker opening the Jets game with a sack. “We always talk about it. And to make that your first play, it’s exciting. I’m so happy for him.”

Badie to IR, Bailey elevated

The Broncos on Saturday placed running back Tyler Badie on injured reserve with a back injury suffered against the Jets.

Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that Badie “possibly” would be shelved. Badie must miss at least the next four games, but a source said he is expected to return this season.

Also Saturday, the Broncos elevated linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster for the second straight game. He has been needed for depth since Singleton was hurt.

Badie was hurt late in the first quarter when he was hit by linebacker Quincy Williams and lost a fumble. Badie was immobilized and taken off the field on a board on a stretcher.

Badie spent time at a local hospital but it was determined not to be a long-term injury. He returned to Denver last Sunday night on a commercial flight.

The Broncos did not immediately replace Badie on the active roster. Running back Audric Estime, who was placed on injured reserve after the Sept. 8 opener at Seattle due to an ankle injury, is eligible to return to the active roster after sitting out Sunday’s game. He could be activated for next Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Badie shelved and Estime still out Sunday, Denver’s third running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin is expected to be rookie Blake Watson, active for the first time.

Palczewski thrilled by Ballinger video

Broncos right tackle Alex Palczewski doesn’t spend too much on social media, but he couldn’t miss seeing what NFL Network analyst and former offensive lineman Brian Baldinger put up on him.

Baldinger posted on X a video of nearly 3 minutes breaking down Palczewski’s game against the Jets. He said he “can’t get enough” of the second-year man and that “Denver found a player.”

“It was awesome,’’ said Palczewski, who was undrafted in 2023 out of Illinois and didn’t get into any games as a rookie. “I liked (the video) a lot, obviously. He’s very respected. Hopefully, I can play well enough in the future to get more of those.”

Palczewski has looked good in two games since replacing Mike McGlinchey in the lineup. McGlinchey, who suffered a knee injury Sept. 15 against Pittsburgh and was placed on injured reserve, said he is healing well but couldn’t say if he would return when first eligible for the Oct. 17 game at New Orleans.

“(Palczewski is) doing a phenomenal job,’’ said Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles. “He’s playing good football. He’s settling into the position and doing the things he needs to do. He treats every game like he’s a vet. I’m excited to see how he keeps stacking each game after game.”

Despite his early success, Palczewski said he still has plenty of work to do.

“It’s so far, so good,’’ he said. “But there’s still so much I have to improve on. Finishing blocks and just being more technically sound.”