DENVER — It only took five minutes into the official start of free agency for the Denver Broncos to re-sign a key piece of their linebacking corps.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Broncos agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with Todd Davis, as first reported by Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. The deal includes $6 million in guarantees.

Since 2016, Davis has been the Broncos’ starting inside linebacker alongside Brandon Marshall. In 2016, his first year starting, Davis racked up 97 total tackles while not missing a single tackle. He followed that up with 87 tackles in 2017, including one sack.

Throughout the offseason, the Broncos made it clear they wanted to bring Davis back, but the urgency increased when the Philadelphia Eagles signed backup linebacker Corey Nelson during the legal tampering period of free agency.

“Todd is special. Todd is one of our best leaders,” Broncos’ head coach Vance Joseph said after Davis won the Ed Block Courage Award in 2017. “Todd plays with injuries. Todd never complains. Todd is the same guy every day. Todd is an example of being a great pro. Through the good times and through the bad times, Todd has never changed. His work ethic has never changed. If it’s a walkthrough, Todd is full speed. Todd is what I want all of our guys to aspire to be.”

Davis joined the Broncos near the end of the 2014 season after he spent time on the Saints’ practice squad and active roster during his rookie year. He was an undrafted free agent out of Sacramento State.

Denver now has their two starting inside linebackers signed through 2020.