File this story under things that happen every year, but you don’t really think about it or dwell on it. But since the NFL’s “legal” tampering was introduced, teams have been acting ruthlessly to acquire the best players available. Two of the Denver Broncos’ top three free agent signings this season came very close to that. Just think of how annoyed we fans would be if that had occurred.
This week, Mike Klis of 9News revealed some intriguing information about two of Denver’s most significant acquisitions: linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Both were targeted when word leaked of their having a deal in place with the Broncos.
Sources have told 9NEWS that after news of an agreement arose between the safety Hufanga and the Broncos on a three-year deal with a max value of $45 million last Monday, March 10, the New York Jets jumped in to make an after-the-bell pitch of sorts to Hufanga with a sweetened offer.
The New York Jets were the first to attempt and grab Hufanga out from under Denver’s feet, but thankfully he elected to remain with the original arrangement and is now a Denver Bronco. The similar strategy was used with Dre Greenlaw and special teamer Trent Sherfield after they had put a verbal commitment to go with Denver.
At least with the Jets, both teams had to work through Hufanga’s agent so the playing field was level. With the other two, the San Francisco 49ers were allowed to reach out directly to Greenlaw as he was still technically under contract and the same went for the Minnesota Vikings and Sherfield.
That both decided to commit to leaving anyway to Denver is a huge win for the Broncos. With most of their defense under contract and attacking their weakest links with the Hufanga and Greenlaw signings, the Broncos look pretty dangerous on paper on that side of the ball. Getting a special teams ace was the cherry on top.
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