As the NFL free agency period unfolds, the Denver Broncos have made significant moves to bolster their roster, with a series of key signings that could have a profound impact on the team’s 2025 season. The Broncos have added three standout players: tight end Evan Engram, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. These acquisitions have many Broncos fans buzzing, but the question remains: how do these moves grade out? In this Broncos Roundtable, we’ll take a closer look at these signings and assess how they fit into Denver’s roster and overall strategy for the upcoming season.
1. Evan Engram – Tight End (Grade: A-)
The Denver Broncos have made a splash by signing tight end Evan Engram, a dynamic weapon who brings versatility and playmaking ability to the offense. Engram, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants, has shown consistency over his career, posting career-high receiving numbers in 2022 and 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. With 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns last season, Engram proved that he can be a reliable target for any quarterback, especially in a pass-heavy offense.
For the Broncos, Engram offers a unique threat in the passing game. His ability to line up in multiple spots—both in-line as a traditional tight end and in the slot or out wide as a receiver—provides offensive coordinator Sean Payton with a lot of flexibility. Engram is also a solid blocker, which could enhance Denver’s running game when paired with their other weapons.
The only knock on Engram’s game has been his occasional drop issues, but that should be something Denver can work through under Payton’s coaching. Overall, this is a solid signing for the Broncos, as Engram could become one of the focal points of their revamped offense.
2. Talanoa Hufanga – Safety (Grade: B+)
In one of the more intriguing signings of the offseason, the Broncos acquired safety Talanoa Hufanga from the San Francisco 49ers. Hufanga, a former fifth-round pick, has rapidly developed into one of the league’s premier safeties. Known for his football IQ and playmaking ability, Hufanga led the NFL in interceptions in 2023 with 6, while also racking up 87 tackles and 4 pass breakups.
For Denver, Hufanga is an upgrade in the secondary, providing the team with a ball-hawking safety who can play both deep and close to the line of scrimmage. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and come up with big turnovers is exactly what the Broncos need after a 2024 season in which the secondary struggled at times. Additionally, Hufanga is known for his physicality, which adds a hard-hitting presence to Denver’s defensive backfield.
However, Hufanga’s coverage skills can be inconsistent at times, and his fit in Denver’s defensive scheme will need to be carefully evaluated. That said, the Broncos are acquiring a safety with major upside who could play a huge role in their defensive turnaround.
3. Dre Greenlaw – Linebacker (Grade: B)
The Broncos’ linebacker corps received a major boost with the signing of Dre Greenlaw, one of the top linebackers in the league. Greenlaw comes to Denver after several seasons as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense. In 2023, Greenlaw posted 107 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to both stop the run and pressure the quarterback.
Greenlaw’s physicality and leadership on the field will bring stability to a Broncos linebacker unit that has been plagued by inconsistency in recent seasons. He excels in coverage, making him an asset against both the run and the pass. However, Greenlaw is known for his aggressive play style, which can occasionally lead to missed assignments or penalties. Still, Denver has the coaching staff and scheme in place to help him hone his skills and fully unleash his potential.
Overall, this is a solid addition for the Broncos, although Greenlaw will need to quickly adapt to Denver’s defensive system to become the impact player he’s capable of being. Still, a linebacker of Greenlaw’s caliber is exactly what the Broncos needed.
Overall Free Agency Grade: B+
When all is said and done, the Broncos’ first wave of free agency can be considered a success. Signing Engram, Hufanga, and Greenlaw addresses significant needs on both sides of the ball, providing veteran leadership and playmaking ability in key positions. These moves will help the Broncos compete in a loaded AFC West, especially as they continue to fine-tune their roster under head coach Sean Payton.
Of course, the success of these signings will ultimately depend on how well these new additions mesh with the existing talent on the roster. However, given the quality of these players and their fit within the Broncos’ system, Denver’s front office deserves credit for making moves that should improve the team’s immediate future.
With free agency still ongoing, it will be interesting to see if the Broncos add more pieces to further improve their roster. But for now, Engram, Hufanga, and Greenlaw have put the Broncos in a better position to contend in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
In the end, the Broncos are off to a strong start in free agency, securing key players who will make an immediate impact. With these signings, Denver has addressed needs on both sides of the ball, making their roster more well-rounded and competitive. As the free agency period progresses, expect the Broncos to continue making moves to position themselves as serious contenders in the AFC.
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