Broncos Bolster Defense with Hufanga and Greenlaw: Can They Stay Healthy?

The Denver Broncos, under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, have made significant moves in the 2025 NFL free agency to fortify their defense. The team has signed safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, both former San Francisco 49ers, to bolster their defensive lineup. These acquisitions aim to address key areas of need, particularly in tackling and coverage, as the Broncos look to build on their 10-7 record from the previous season.

Key Signings and Their Impact

• Talanoa Hufanga: A first-team All-Pro in 2022, Hufanga brings a proven track record with seven career interceptions and 97 tackles in his last full season. However, his recent injury history, including a torn ACL in 2023, raises concerns about his durability.
• Dre Greenlaw: Known for his physicality and coverage skills, Greenlaw has four 80-tackle seasons to his name. Despite his impact on the field, Greenlaw has struggled with injuries, missing 36 games over six seasons, including a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII.

Defensive Strategy

The Broncos' defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, is expected to integrate Hufanga and Greenlaw seamlessly into the team's scheme. The focus will be on improving tackling efficiency and enhancing coverage capabilities, areas where the Broncos ranked 15th and 11th, respectively, last season.

Financial Commitments

The Broncos have made substantial financial commitments to these players, with Hufanga signing a three-year, $45 million deal and Greenlaw securing a three-year, $31.5 million contract. These investments underscore the team's belief in their potential to elevate the defense.

Injury Concerns

Both players come with significant injury histories. Hufanga has been limited to 17 games over the past two seasons due to knee and wrist injuries, while Greenlaw has only played a full season once in his six-year career. The Broncos will need both players to stay healthy to maximize their impact.

Conclusion

The Broncos' aggressive approach in free agency reflects their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. However, the success of these signings will largely depend on the health and performance of Hufanga and Greenlaw. If they can stay on the field, the Broncos could have one of the most formidable defenses in the league.