The Denver Broncos will be targeting offensive players in free agency and the draft this offseason, but the defense won’t be completely overlooked.
Vance Joseph’s unit last season led the NFL in sacks and also had the Defensive Player of the Year in Pat Surtain II. However, many analysts have pointed to the safety spot as needing some work. After letting go of Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns last offseason, the Broncos signed Brandon Jones in free agency and he turned into a terrific signing.
P.J. Locke manned the other safety spot and he wasn’t nearly as good. Used on special teams and as a rotational defensive player throughout his career, Locke hasn’t transitioned into a starting role well and quite frankly, may not be cut out for that role.
The Broncos could look to the draft for a new safety but Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut feels the team should find the answer in free agency where one of the best young safeties in the league, Jevon Holland, could be looking for his next team.
“While the Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in football last season, safety was an alarming weakness. With all the young talent on this side of the ball adding a playmaker who fits the team’s contention window makes sense. Jevon Holland had a down year in 2024, but he was one of the best safeties in the NFL the previous season. Put him behind Patrick Surtain II with Nik Bonitto rushing the passer and this could be a top-3 defense next season”, wrote Johnson.
That’s a great thought and the Broncos would likely love to land Holland, but there will be several teams looking to sign him as well. Spotrac estimates Holland getting a four-year deal worth $60 million, which averages out to $15 million per season.
In four seasons with the Dolphins, Holland has 301 tackles, five sacks and five interceptions. He returned one of those 99 yards for a touchdown. He will also be just 25 years old in March and has many more years to thrive in the NFL.
Nobody was more excited than Mike McDaniel after Jevon Holland’s Hail Mary pick-6. 🙌#HardKnocks with the @MiamiDolphins tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/lQMQdheZIC
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2023
The Broncos signed Jones last year as a free agent from the Dolphins. Will history repeat itself with Holland?
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