As we approach the 2025-26 NFL season, the Denver Broncos have been taking full advantage of the off-season and loading up to potentially have the best defensive core unit in the National Football League. With Vance Joseph overseeing the “Orange Crush” defense, the Broncos have a chance to wreak havoc within the AFC West just like they did a decade ago with the legendary, “No Fly Zone” secondary. On paper, this is “Surtainly” the scariest roster for opposing QBs to go up against.
Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones are both looking great in mini camp and at some point, this year could be the best safety tandem in the NFL, which will boost coverage support and make it easier for both cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss to lock down both sides of the field with ease. Denver’s 2026 #1 Draft Pick Jahdae Barron will also have a lot to look forward to throughout the season learning from the best CB in the game PS2. So much to learn, and so much time to soak it all in for Barron who couldn’t be in a better spot as a rookie CB.
Denver also added to their already massive unit on the D-line, by stealing 7th year All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen from the Dallas Cowboys on a 4-Year $102M deal, which includes $69.5M guaranteed. Allen has appeared in 78 regular-season games, (68 starts) with Arizona (2019-22) and Denver (2023-24), totaling 259 tackles (138 solo), 25.0 sacks (154.5 yds.), one interception, 17 deflected passes, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries (1 TD) and a blocked FG. So, it is safe to say that Zach Allen is expected to see an increase being double-teamed off the line, which will open more opportunities for John Franklin-Meyers, D.J. Jones, and Nik Bonitto to add more pressure on each opposing QB that they face this season.
Since last season, the Denver Broncos front office has been making all the right moves to pursue a 2025-26 Super Bowl run this season by essentially extending certain contracts for key players during Bo Nix’s rookie contract. So that once those contracts expire, Denver’s front office will have the chance to propose a deal that’ll include a substantially large bag for Bo Nix to get him locked in for the long haul. Rumor has it that Denver is looking to offer Nik Bonitto a hefty extension to continue to lead the defensive core for the coming years.
Dante Robinson | Senior NFL Analyst for The NSR Network
