Broncos reinforce defense and add a versatile tight end in first week of free agency
The Denver Broncos have started free agency with a bang, snagging two low-risk, high-upside players for their defense while also adding a tight end that can fit Sean Payton’s “joker" role.
Denver entered free agency needing to add weapons around Bo Nix, but instead reinforced their defense to start.
Talanoa Hufanga, SS
The Broncos kicked off free agency Monday adding former All-Pro San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga. Denver agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million and $20 million guaranteed.
While the Broncos’ secondary is anchored by 2024’s Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, Denver upgraded at the safety position by adding Hufanga to play next to Brandon Jones. In Hufanga’s 2022 first-team All Pro campaign he tallied 97 tackles and four interceptions.
So, why did Denver get him for only $15 million a year? The past two seasons, Hufanga has dealt with injuries as he tore his ACL in 2023 and only played seven games last season. If Hufanga can return to his 2022 form the Broncos’ defense will be hard to stop, especially alongside the other former 49er that joined the team this week.
Dre Greenlaw, ILB
While the Broncos’ defense was solid last season, they lacked a true game-wrecker. Denver found one in free agency with Dre Greenlaw who signed a $35 million three-year deal Monday.
Much like his 49er counterpart, Greenlaw played only two games last season after tearing his achilles during Super Bowl LVIII. However, he tallied over 120 tackles in his two seasons prior.
Greenlaw fits well into Denver’s defensive scheme, which mainly runs man-coverage while relying on its league-best pass rush. According to Pro Football Focus his coverage grade (82.6) was fourth among linebackers since 2022.
Evan Engram, TE
This offseason Payton has been vocal about finding his “joker’ and two-time Pro-Bowler Evan Engram fits that role. The former Jacksonville Jaguar signed a two-year deal worth $23 million and $16.5 guaranteed.
Once again a common theme, Engram is coming off a season where he was injured and only played nine games. In the 2023 season, he had his best year tallying a career-high 963 yards on 114 receptions.
Although his 2024 campaign was a “down year” compared to his previous season, he brings tremendous value to the Broncos offense. His 47 receptions last fall are more than double the amount of Denver’s tight ends last year.
Trent Sherfield Sr., WR
After losing their primary gunner, Tremon Smith, Trent Sherfield Jr. fills the shoes perfectly. Denver and Sherfield agreed to a two-year deal worth $6 million.
Sherfield Sr. tallied eight special team tackles for the Minnesota Vikings this season.
Resigns
The Broncos resigned defensive tackle D.J. Jones and quarterback Jarret Stidham as well.
Denver is bringing back Stidham on a two-year deal to serve as Nix’s backup. Jones re-signed to a three-year $39 million contract keeping their defensive line intact. Jones was set to be the only unrestricted free agent on the line with Zach Allen seeking a contract extension.
Stay tuned to Mountain Time Sports Report for everything around the Broncos offseason.