Grading the Broncos' first day of free agent legal tampering: Denver begins the offseason with a bang after making 2 major signings
The Denver Broncos had a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish during the first day of free agent legal tampering, and they executed it. However, their plan may not have been what most thought it would, at least not yet. Despite boasting a good defense in 2024, the Broncos decided to enhance it […]
The Denver Broncos had a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish during the first day of free agent legal tampering, and they executed it.
However, their plan may not have been what most thought it would, at least not yet. Despite boasting a good defense in 2024, the Broncos decided to enhance it even more. Last week they placed a tender on exclusive rights free agent outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, then made two huge moves on Monday.
Here are our initial grades and thoughts on each move . . .
Broncos sign S Talanoa Hufanga: A+
Safety was an under-the-radar need for Denver, and it got a good one in Hufanga. A First-Team All-Pro in 2022, Hufanga was off to another great start in 2023 before tearing his ACL in Week 11. That cost him the rest of that season, plus the first 12 games of 2024.
The goods news is that when he returned from the injury, he looked like his old self. In 49 games and 37 starts for the San Francisco 49ers, Hufanga recorded 219 total tackles, seven interceptions, 14 passes defensed, two sacks, nine quarterback pressures, and two forced fumbles. Hufanga will solidify the Broncos' secondary and could elevate it to one of the best units in the league.
Broncos sign LB Dre Greenlaw: B+
Greenlaw's talent is undeniable. A former fifth-round pick of the 49ers, Greenlaw was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019. However, the injury bug has slowed him down since. He hasn't played a full season since his rookie year, though he only missed three or less games in three of those seasons.
In 2021 Greenlaw missed 14 games with a groin injury, and in 2023 he tore his Achilles during Super Bowl LVIII, costing him all but two games of the 2024 season. Now over a year removed from tearing his Achilles, Greenlaw should be ready for offseason activities.
He has recorded over 100 tackles in two of his last three seasons, also boasting three career interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, 15 QB pressures, and two forced fumbles. Greenlaw is a complete LB who plays well against the run and pass, and should be the missing piece of the puzzle in Denver's front seven if he can stay healthy. His injury history is the only thing preventing this move from receiving an A grade.
Denver Broncos are interested in signing former first-round pick who can help Bo Nix get better in 2025
The Broncos need a guy like him.
