On March 18th, the NFL’s Denver Broncos announced the addition of former CFL linebacker and tackling machine Alex Singleton. The 28-year-old had spent the previous three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Singleton originally began his pro career in 2015, signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent from Montana State. After being released by the Seahawks, he would go on to have two practice squad stints that season with the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. In 2016, he was selected with the 6th overall pick in the CFL draft by the Calgary Stampeders. Singleton was able to gain national status in the CFL thanks to his mother, who was born in Toronto and therefore made him eligible for citizenship.
Singleton played in all 18 regular season games for Calgary in 2016, recording 65 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He’d gotten off to a hot start, but he was nowhere near finished. In 2017, Singleton once again appeared in every game, recording 123 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. He would go on to win the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award for his efforts that season, selected unanimously by voters.
In 2018, Singleton had the same number of tackles from the year before, in addition to 2 forced fumbles. However, his most notable achievement was winning the 106th Grey Cup over the Ottawa Redblacks. For the second consecutive year, Singleton was also named to the CFL All-Star team. He would eventually be released to pursue NFL opportunities, signing with the Eagles before the 2019 season.
Singleton didn’t make the active roster right away, but eventually worked his way into a special teams role. His big break came in 2020, when he led the Eagles in tackles. He also added on 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 interception (returned for a touchdown).
In 2021, Singleton became a team captain, and once again was the Eagles’ leading tackler. His most notable game of the season came during a playoff loss to the Buccaneers, when he recorded 16 tackles and a sack. Overall, his 137 tackles were the most by any Eagles player since Byron Evans in 1992.
Singleton’s new deal in Denver comes with $1.1 million guaranteed and $750,000 worth of incentives (for one year). Although his name may still fly under the radar of most NFL fans, those who are aware of Singleton’s production could argue that this was a bargain signing. Even if he could’ve been paid more, there’s no doubt Singleton will continue to scare offenses in the Mile High City.
