NFL free agency grades: Denver Broncos draw positive reviews

The Denver Broncos made three big splashes during the first wave of NFL free agency and the team has received strong grades for the class. Here's a quick look at some of the team's free agency grades from across the web.

Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY: A

"The Broncos ranked No. 1 in defensive EPA last season," Camenker wrote for USAT. "Nonetheless, they managed to get better on that side of the ball by signing a couple of 49ers – 2022 All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga and elite run-stopper Dre Greenlaw – to three-year deals. They should give Vance Joseph's defense more playmaking power.

"Denver also added a mismatch weapon at tight end in Evan Engram (two years, $23 million) and kept starting defensive tackle D.J. Jones on a three-year, $39 million deal. The Broncos' window for contention is open with Bo Nix on a cheap rookie contract, so this should help them in their quest to make a second consecutive playoff appearance."

Pro Football Focus staff: A

"After voicing his want to add an impact player to man the 'Joker' position in his offense, Sean Payton gets a splash signing in Engram following his release from Jacksonville," PFF wrote of the Engram addition. "Injuries limited Engram’s time on the field in 2024, but his last full season in 2023 proved he could be an impact player."

Frank Schwab, Yahoo: B+

"The Broncos added a lot of toughness and playmaking to the defense with former 49ers Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw," Schwab wrote for Yahoo. "And the defense was pretty good already. Their grade went up to a + because of Evan Engram."

Tyler Sullivan, Garrett Podell & Jordan Dajani, CBS: B-

"Denver provided another weapon in the passing game for quarterback Bo Nix on Wednesday with the signing of tight end Evan Engram," the CBS crew wrote. "The two-time Pro Bowler fills the 'Joker' role in head coach Sean Payton's offense, a role that was once filled by Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. Denver could use another strong wide receiver and then Nix could have himself a scary group of playmakers at his disposal when dropping back to pass."

SB Nation: A (Dre Greenlaw) and B+ (Talanoa Hufanga)

"This is a great get for the Broncos. Greenlaw was still recovering from his torn Achilles in the 2024 season, but once he’s fully back to himself he provides a lot of intensity and range at the second level of a defense," one of Mark Schofield, James Dator or Joseph Acosta wrote for SB Nation. "I’m curious how he looks without LB Fred Warner next to him, but the linebacker should play well in a fast and physical Broncos’ defense."

They didn't get straight As, but the Broncos' free agency class received positive reviews across the board. Now onto NFL free agency.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL free agency: Denver Broncos get 'A' grades for signings

Topics

NFL free agency grades: Bears, Broncos, Vikings impress in first wave, Texans confound

Plenty of NFL teams have made significant upgrades in the early stages of free agency. Here's a look at the best- and worst-graded teams.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Denver Broncos updated roster after NFL free agency

Here's a look at the Broncos' updated roster following the first wave of NFL free agency.
Yahoo Sports - 5h
49ers NFL free agency moves receive embarrassing grade from PFF

Pro Football Focus gave the 49ers low marks on their NFL free agency moves thus far.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Browns: Grading the Maliek Collins signing in NFL free agency

The Browns landed Maliek Collins in NFL free agency, but what grade do they deserve for the deal?
Yahoo Sports - 1h
Broncos have filled key needs in NFL free agency

After addressing their key needs during free agency, the Broncos can go best player available in the NFL draft.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Arizona Cardinals given a 'B' in early NFL free agency grades

The Cardinals have made some moves. This publication gives them good but not great marks in free agency grades.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Colts NFL free agency: What grades did Indianapolis get for their signings?

What grades did NFL analysts give the Indianapolis Colts for their free agent signings?
Yahoo Sports - 2d
7-round Broncos mock draft after first wave of NFL free agency

Following the first wave of NFL free agency, here is our updated 7-round mock draft for the Broncos.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Yahoo Sports releases early NFL Free Agency grades

The Minnesota Vikings received praise from Yahoo! Sports for their work during the first week of free agency.
Yahoo Sports - 1d