Denver Broncos’ Defense Aims to Take the Next Step in 2025

After ending an eight-year playoff drought last season, many expected the Denver Broncos to focus on improving their offense around second-year quarterback Bo Nix. But instead of loading up on receivers or offensive linemen, Denver doubled down on what worked: its defense.

We’re trying to put together the best team we can,” head coach Sean Payton said. “And I hear what’s said and I understand the questions, but there are a lot of ways to help a young quarterback — any quarterback. … A good defense helps a quarterback.”

That strategy makes sense considering how dominant the Broncos were on that side of the ball in 2024. They led the NFL with a franchise-record 63 sacks and finished first in defensive EPA (expected points added). Cornerback Pat Surtain II won Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the team had standout years from pass rushers Nik Bonitto (13.5 sacks), Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks), and defensive tackle Zach Allen (8.5 sacks and 61 tackles).

Free Agency Moves Show Clear Intentions

Despite already having a top unit, the Broncos made two of their biggest offseason investments on defense. They signed former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year, $39 million deal and added linebacker Dre Greenlaw for three years and $31.5 million.

Then, they used their first-round draft pick on Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a move defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called a “no-brainer.”

“We had a great defense, [but] that was last year,” Joseph said. “My entire offseason [thought] is that’s over, let’s keep improving. Last year counts, but it doesn’t matter moving forward, we added some more pieces, we keep improving … the challenges are ahead.”

Staying Hungry and Focused

Safety Brandon Jones believes the group still has room to grow.

“You get in trouble as soon as you get complacent,” Jones said. “I think we are going to be as good as we want to be, and the sky is the limit. We know what we did last year and that feeds us going into this year with super big goals for us individually and as a unit. We just have to make the most of it.”

Tough Schedule Ahead

The Broncos will face plenty of challenges in 2025. Their schedule includes games against top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Justin Herbert (Chargers), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Joe Burrow (Bengals), C.J. Stroud (Texans), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jordan Love (Packers), and Jayden Daniels (Commanders).

That means Denver’s defense has to be even better than it was last season — especially after how their year ended. The Broncos lost 31-7 in the Wild Card round to the Bills, giving up 210 rushing yards, including 94 in the first quarter. They also had shaky moments down the stretch, like allowing 552 yards to the Browns (with 497 passing yards from Jameis Winston) and surrendering three touchdown passes to Burrow in a loss to Cincinnati.

Veteran Additions Bring Experience and Energy

Joseph believes Hufanga and Greenlaw will help fix those late-season problems.

“It’s always great to add Pro Bowl-type of players,” Joseph said. “I think both guys bring an attitude of being on great defenses. … Both guys bring experience of being in big games and being on dominant defenses. That’s practice, that’s meetings, that’s every day. … To add those kind of guys have been tremendous for us.”

Rookie Barron Adds Versatility

Barron, who was drafted 20th overall, impressed the team with his skill and football IQ. He played cornerback, safety, and even linebacker at Texas, but will start off focusing on cornerback.

“These are premium positions, and this type of player [Barron] is less available than so many other positions,” Payton said. “It’s harder to find these traits and what he does than at other positions, not only in the draft. So he provides great flexibility if you want to play a third-down snap and put Surtain on a certain receiver, travel [Barron] to one, travel [cornerback] Riley [Moss], there’s a lot of flexibility.

“It’s real difficult if you’re light there.”

Building Around a Star

Everything in Denver’s defense starts with Pat Surtain II. The league’s top corner finished last season with four interceptions and eight pass breakups. With Barron and Hufanga now in the mix, Joseph may be able to call more complex coverages, making it harder for teams to avoid Surtain — something they were able to do when cornerback Riley Moss missed time late in the year.

Hufanga Ready to Join the Brotherhood

For Hufanga, joining Denver’s defense is about blending in with an already tight group.

“This defense is incredible. You look from top to bottom, it’s just players,” he said. “So for me, I just wanted to humbly come in, earn their respect and join a crew that already did really well last year, for sure.”