Broncos bolster their defense by agreeing to terms with former 49ers Greenlaw and Hufanga

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are solidifying the middle of their defense and they're doing it by adding two former San Francisco 49ers players.

The Broncos agreed to three-year contracts with inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga on Monday, the first day of the legal tampering window ahead of free agency's official start on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deals won't be announced until the new league year begins midweek.

Denver general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton said at the NFL scouting combine that they needed to solidify the middle of their defense, and they began doing that with by agreeing to re-sign defensive tackle D.J. Jones to a three-year deal worth $39 million over the weekend, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.

Hufanga's deal is worth $45 million with $20 million guaranteed, another person with knowledge of the terms told the AP.

Hufanga has been limited to 17 games over the last two years because of injuries. When healthy, he'll add depth to a secondary that features Brandon Jones, who signed in free agency a year ago and had his best season, and P.J. Locke, who played well in 2024 despite a broken thumb.

Over the weekend, the Broncos agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with quarterback Bo Nix’s backup, Jarrett Stidham. On Monday they lost their other QB, Zach Wilson, who agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.

The Broncos also are losing running back Javonte Williams to the Dallas Cowboys and inside linebacker Cody Barton to the Tennessee Titans. Barton had a solid season and steadied the defense after Alex Singleton sustained a season-ending ACL injury early in the season.

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