Latest news with #TalanoaHufanga
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos roster: S Talanoa Hufanga (No. 9) improves already-stout defense
Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fifth-year safety Talanoa Hufanga, No. 9. Before the Broncos: Hufanga was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round (180th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft, and he was thrust into action almost immediately. Hufanga saw action in 15 of 17 games in 2021, starting three games, recording 32 tackles (24 solo, eight assisted), one tackle for loss and one QB hit. Hufanga's best season as a pro came in 2022 when he started 17 games, earning a Pro Bowl selection and a first-team All-Pro nod after netting four interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles, nine pass deflections, two sacks, 97 total tackles (66 solo, 31 assisted) and five tackles for losses. In 2023 and 2024, Hufanga had his seasons cut short due to injury, although he managed to put together some strong stats in 2023. Before tearing his ACL in Week 11 of 2023, Hufanga collected three interceptions, three pass deflections, 52 total tackles (39 solo, 13 assisted), one tackle for loss and two QB hits. In 2024, Hufanga only started seven games, making 38 total tackles (20 solo, 18 assisted) and two tackles for loss before suffering various injuries that sidelined him on injured reserve. Broncos tenure: Hufanga departed the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent this spring, signing with the Broncos on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million. He is projected to start across from Brandon Jones in 2025. Chance to make the 53-man roster: Lock. The Broncos would not have brought in Hufanga, even with his injury-riddled history, if he were not going to be a starter. Hufanga will be a vital piece in a Denver defense that was near the top of the league in every defensive statistical category last year. Hufanga and fellow free agent signee Dre Greenlaw will help Denver's defense reach another level in 2025. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The San Francisco 49ers may need rookie safety Marques Sigle to take a significant role in his first season.
The San Francisco 49ers may need rookie safety Marques Sigle to take a significant role in his first season. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Francisco 49ers made a whopping 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and six of them were on defense. With that being said, the team still has a hole on that side of the ball. Advertisement The Niners lost standout safety Talanoa Hufanga to the Denver Broncos in free agency earlier this offseason, so the team's depth at the position does not inspire a lot of confidence. It also does not help that sophomore defensive back Malik Mustapaha will be out with an ACL tear until at least the middle of the season. As a result, the team will need someone to step up and be a guy they can count on to help them over the top. And they might have selected that guy with the 160th overall pick in the fifth round of this year's draft. Kansas State's Marques Sigle will likely be out with an injury until the 49ers' training camp, he could be just the player that the team needs to help them in this time of need at the safety position. He finished his final season with the Wildcats with 60 total tackles, seven of them being for a loss. He was also able to show his ball-hawk skills with a few defended passes and three interceptions. Advertisement It does not sound like the 2025 fifth-round draft pick will be ready quite yet … but when he is, the team may need to call on him to provide some depth in their secondary - or maybe more than just depth. Related: Niners' Blockbuster Trade Piece Named Biggest Loss Related: Nick Bosa Excited About Niners' Rookie Williams For One Reason This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Now healthy, Talanoa Hufanga eyes Super Bowl with Broncos
Now healthy, Talanoa Hufanga eyes Super Bowl with Broncos The Denver Broncos signed veteran safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year, $39 million contract this spring. That could turn out to be a bargain deal for the Broncos -- if they can keep Hufanga on the field. Hufanga battled through a wrist injury last season, and he tore his ACL two years ago. The 25-year-old safety has missed 17 games over the last two seasons. 'Injury is part of the game," Hufanga said at the start of organized team activities last week. "Troy Polamalu always told me, 'It's a 100 percent injury rate regardless.' For you to go in, you have to understand what comes with it. So every injury that I've came along, I think it's just a testament to who I am and to battle through adversity through those moments. [It is] something that I've taken in and wear on my sleeve when I go out on the field.' Now healthy, Hufanga will look to bounce back with a fresh start in Denver. He will be joining Vance Joseph's defense which ranked among the NFL's best in 2024. "I just want to go out there and celebrate with the guys," Hufanga said. "When we can make plays together — if I can help a guy get an interception, that's my goal." In four seasons with the 49ers, Hufanga reached three NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. Entering his fifth year in the NFL, Hufanga now aims to get over the hump and win a title with the Broncos. "I want to be out there to help guys get accolades and help as a team get the biggest accolade of all, and that's being a Super Bowl champion," he said. "We have to go out there and strive to be that every day.' Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1st looks at Broncos' big free agent signings on the field
Just look at them! The Denver Broncos kicked off organized team activities this week, marking the on-field debut of two of their three biggest free agent signings of the offseason. New inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw is sidelined with a quad injury, but a pair of fellow free agent additions hit the field at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit for the first set of OTAs. Advertisement First up is a former Greenlaw teammate with the San Francisco 49ers -- safety Talanoa Hufanga. The 25-year-old defensive back was described by coach Sean Payton as a smart, "real good leader." Check out his first appearance wearing orange and blue: Up next is new tight end Evan Engram, who signed a two-year deal with the Broncos this spring. The 30-year-old veteran figures to serve a key role on offense this fall: 'I think it helps a lot depending on the coverages you're getting," Payton said when asked how much Engram's addition helps quarterback Bo Nix. "Your third-down and your red-zone game plans, I think it really helps.' Advertisement Hufanga and Engram are set to return for the second round of OTAs from June 3-5. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 1st looks at big free agent signings
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PFF gives Broncos ‘A' grade for 2025 offseason
It's considered a great offseason when you sign Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga and draft Jahdae Barron. This is how Pro Football Focus concluded on the Denver Broncos and their stellar offseason. PFF rewarded Denver with an 'A' grade for their offseason, compared to the Indianapolis Colts, who scored a B+, and the Miami Dolphins, who received a C+. PFF detailed why they gave the Broncos their grade, citing key signings such as Greenlaw: The Broncos ranked 10th in the NFL last season in team PFF defensive grade (74.1), as well as in the top half of the league in run defense, coverage and pass rush. Now, they've added Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Jahdae Barron, among other depth players. That group could absolutely be the best in the NFL. Throw in some key additions on offense, such as running back RJ Harvey via the draft and tight end Evan Engram via free agency, and you have one heck of an offseason in Denver. While it's great the Broncos are winning the offseason, it's important they don't lose track of the ultimate goal: playing for another Super Bowl title in the fall. Advertisement Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: PFF gives Denver Broncos 'A' grade for 2025 offseason
