Horse Tracks: Broncos signaling aggressive offseason even before Free Agency opens

With plans of signing former Niners defenders Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw, plus re-signing DJ Jones, the Broncos are looking to showcase another aggressive defense.

Good morning, Broncos Country!

Free Agency hasn’t even officially officially begun yet, and the Broncos are already going big and fast — both literally and figuratively.

Late Sunday night the Broncos re-signed nose tackle DJ Jones to a three-year deal, keeping a dominant defensive line intact for at least another year.

Early Monday afternoon, the Broncos had snagged 49ers’ All Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga for a three-year, $45 million bag — providing Brandon Jones a worthy partner on the opposite side of the field.

And when news broke that Broncos’ free agent linebacker Cody Barton had signed a three-year deal with the Titans, leaving a gaping hole at an already vulnerable position for the Broncos, Denver wasted no time finding a replacement.

And they didn’t hold back, grabbing arguably the best free-agent linebacker available and considered one of the top free agents overall this offseason — 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw.

NFL Network’s Gregg Rosenthal argued that even though Greenlaw played a handful of snaps this season, it’s a big addition for Denver.

“I love this move,” Rosenthal said on the air. “He put only three quarters on film last year, but they were the most electric three quarters I’ve seen from a linebacker in a long time. It made me think ‘OK, he’s going to recover well’.”

Rosenthal was particularly fond of the Broncos bringing in two of the Niners’ best defenders despite both players have down years in 2024 due to injury.

“It’s going to totally change the aggression of a defense that already has a great attitude and was terrific,” he added. “Those are two defensive lynchpins on that team.”

The best part of Monday’s news was the signal that the Broncos’ brass considers this a team on the rise and wants to keep the defense dominant.

Sean Payton made an interesting comment during Combine interviews that finding great defensive players in the first round of the Draft could arguably be just as helpful to a young quarterback as finding offensive weapons.

The direction the Broncos go in the Draft is still somewhat of an unknown — as is the rest of free agency — but we know Bo Nix is going to be able to benefit from a menacing defense once again.

Looking for some ideas from the locals

Since Denver is one of the preliminary round sites for March Madness this year, SBNation’s college basketball team is looking for great local insight to share with visitors about their city.

So I could use your help in the comments! If you have any ideas for the following, let me know…

• Best place to eat before the game ( like a “Diner Drive-ins and Dives” kind of vibe)
• Best sports bar to celebrate a victory
• Best ice cream spot to bounce back after a loss (for the kids); Best bar to drown your sorrows (for the grown-ups!)
• Coolest places to visit in the city (museums, tours, entertainment)
• Where the true Denver sports fan hangs for fun (can be different for different sports)

One more request…

Last year at this time, I hastily threw together a “Broncos Madness” post to have a little fun with my two favorite sports – NFL and college basketball.

Many of you made comments rightfully pointing out that the matchups within the four divisions were not fair (or not really in descending order of greatness to mimic a true No. 1 seed v. a No. 16 seed) and I had also left off a few players dear to your hearts.

So I invite you this year to provide some preliminary guidance rather than useless feedback once it begins! I realize this is a dangerous request so know in advance I will never be able to accommodate all ideas from everyone. But I do invite the input in the comments below!

NFL/Broncos News

Broncos QB Bo Nix changing opinions about ceiling after rookie season
Broncos’ Bo Nix is legit. Makes Denver a contender. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms doesn’t believe Nix has hit his ceiling. “He is Drew Brees Jr.”

Broncos enter free agency with $40 million of cap room | Sports Coverage | denvergazette.com
After having more dead money than any NFL team, Broncos enter free agency with $40 million of cap room

2025 free agency winners and losers: Sam Darnold up, Patrick Mahomes down as frenzy kicks into gear
Will Seattle be an ideal next stop for Sam Darnold? Has Ryan Poles done enough to upgrade Caleb Williams’ protection? How will the Chiefs handle a huge uncertainty up front? Jeffri Chadiha runs through the winners and losers of NFL free agency so far.

Broncos free agency tracker: Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw highlight Day 1 activity – The Athletic
Keep up to date with all of the news and analysis on Broncos’ moves.

Chargers expected to sign former Steelers RB Najee Harris to one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million
There’s a new workhorse in Los Angeles’ RB stable. The Chargers have agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported.

Browns trading for QB Kenny Pickett; Eagles to receive Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 2025 fifth-rounder in deal
The Browns are acquiring former first-round pick Kenny Pickett from Phillly in exchange for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.

Texans trading LT Laremy Tunsil to Commanders for draft picks
The Washington Commanders are finalizing a trade to acquire Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil in exchange for a package of draft picks, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.

Grady Jarrett agrees to three-year, $43.5 million deal with Bears hours after release from Falcons
Grady Jarrett signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears on Monday mere hours after he was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.

Cardinals signing DE Josh Sweat to four-year, $76.4 million contract
The Arizona Cardinals are signing former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million deal with $41 million guaranteed, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40 million contract
The Jets are signing Justin Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million with $30 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday.