Identifying the Denver Broncos' best and worst decisions through first wave of the 2025 NFL free agency period
The first wave of the 2025 free agent period is nearly over. The Denver Broncos have been one of the more aggressive teams so far as they look to build off of their 10-win season in 2024. While they're sure to make more lowkey signings, they may have at least one more big acquisition left to […]
The first wave of the 2025 free agent period is nearly over.
The Denver Broncos have been one of the more aggressive teams so far as they look to build off of their 10-win season in 2024. While they're sure to make more lowkey signings, they may have at least one more big acquisition left to make.
A to Z Sports' own Evan Winter and Sam Phalen are breaking down the best free agency moves for the AFC and the NFC thus far. What did they have to say about Broncos' GM George Paton's moves so far? Let's take a look. . .
Best move: Signing LB Dre Greenlaw
For my money, I would have chosen the signing of safety Talanoa Hufanga. However, I also love the decision to bring in Greenlaw. Here's what Evan and Sam had to say:
"There’s no other way to say it. Dre Greenlaw is a beast. He changes the complexion of a defense with his pass coverage from the linebacker position. In 2023, he had a league-leading -7.9 receptions allowed over expected and the 49ers defense allowed 1.7 fewer yards per attempt on passes to the middle of the field with Greenlaw on the field.
He’s a true difference maker that lands in Denver at a bargain price of $11.6 million per year."
I can't argue anything they said about Greenlaw. The only red flag is his injury history, but his age and talent make the potential reward worth the risk. If he stays healthy, Greenlaw will solidify Denver's front seven as one of the scariest units in the league.
Worst move: Keeping Jarrett Stidham over Zach Wilson at backup QB
I have to agree with this one. Stidham has been in the league a little longer, but Wilson has the higher upside. Here's Evan and Sam's take:
"I’m not a fan of the Broncos opting for Jarrett Stidham over Zach Wilson as the backup to Bo Nix in 2025. Stidham got $12 million over two years to go back to Denver while Wilson signed a one-year $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Same cost against the cap this season and Wilson is younger, has more upside, and more starting experience.
I really like the fit for Zach Wilson coming off the bench in Denver and working with Sean Payton. Wilson seems to be a player that some teams believe will get a second shot to start eventually. He could be on the Sam Darnold trajectory for all we know. I simply think Wilson is the better quarterback. I would have kept him instead."
They hit the nail on the head here. Wilson has made more starts, thrown for more yards and touchdowns, and has more impressive physical attributes to work with. Stidham's ceiling is liked as a game manager, whereas Wilson could be a late blooming legitimate starter. At the end of the day, though, it's not a huge deal since we're dealing with backups.
Denver Broncos continue to crush it in free agency by signing the best player available at a huge position of need
The roster is shaping up nicely.
