The Denver Broncos have officially signed seventh-round draft pick Red Murdock to his rookie contract, as first reported by Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado. Murdock, who earned the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" as the final selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, is the first of Denver's seven draft picks to put pen to paper.

The linebacker inked a four-year, $4.5 million deal that includes a signing bonus of $122,600—a standard but meaningful start for a player who made his mark through sheer tenacity. Murdock's college career at the University at Buffalo was nothing short of remarkable: he earned second-team All-America honors in 2025, set an FBS record with 17 career forced fumbles, and racked up an eye-popping 298 tackles over his final two seasons. For a player known for disrupting offenses, this contract is just the beginning of his NFL journey.

Murdock will join his new teammates at the Broncos' rookie minicamp this weekend, where he'll look to carry that college momentum into the pros. Denver's 2026 draft class is an intriguing mix, especially considering the team didn't have first- or second-round picks. The Broncos addressed multiple needs by selecting defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim in the third round, running back Jonah Coleman and offensive lineman Kage Casey in the fourth, tight end Justin Joly in the fifth, and safety Miles Scott along with tight end Dallen Bentley in the seventh—alongside Murdock.

For Broncos fans, Murdock's signing signals the start of a new era for a defense that values relentless energy. Whether he becomes a special teams ace or a rotational linebacker, his college résumé suggests he's ready to make an impact. Stay tuned to see how this Mr. Irrelevant fits into Denver's plans.