By Sunday 
Jets make a final attempt to sway the safety, but Hufanga stays committed to Denver
A Last-Ditch Effort from the Jets
The annual NFL legal tampering period is notorious for being a time of flux, where unofficial agreements lead to unexpected last-minute moves. This year, one such moment involved the New York Jets, who made a late push to steal Talanoa Hufanga away from the Denver Broncos. After Hufanga had already agreed to a deal with Denver, the Jets swooped in, hoping to change his mind.
While this type of poaching isn’t typical, it’s not unheard of during the tampering period. The Jets’ attempt to pry the talented safety from Denver highlights the competitiveness of the league, where teams are constantly fighting to bolster their rosters in any way possible.
Hufanga’s Commitment to Denver
Talanoa Hufanga, the 2022 first-team All-Pro, was initially slated to sign a three-year deal worth $39 million with the Broncos. This came after Hufanga had agreed to terms just hours before his former 49ers teammate Dre Greenlaw made his own move to Denver. However, the Jets weren’t ready to let him go just yet.
Despite the initial commitment, the Jets saw an opportunity to land the star safety. They had been interested in Jevon Holland, but it became apparent that Hufanga was higher on their list. After reports of the Hufanga-Broncos deal emerged, New York made a swift attempt to convince him to change his mind. However, Hufanga stuck to his decision and remained focused on his agreement with Denver.
The Jets’ Struggle and Outcome
This situation placed Jets GM Darren Mougey, who had previously worked with Broncos GM George Paton, in a tough spot. Ultimately, the Jets’ late push didn’t sway Hufanga. The safety decided to honor his commitment to the Broncos, who already had a solid plan in place with him and fellow ex-49er Dre Greenlaw joining the defensive lineup.
Hufanga’s move to the Broncos will see him join a starting safety tandem with Brandon Jones, a key addition that will help solidify Denver’s defense. The safety’s contract includes $20 million guaranteed at signing, making it a significant investment for the Broncos.
The Jets’ Response and Future Plans
After failing to land Hufanga, the Jets quickly pivoted, signing Andre Cisco, a former Jacksonville Jaguars safety, to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. While Cisco is a solid addition, it remains clear that the Jets’ hopes were high for landing a player of Hufanga’s caliber.
Though the Jets missed out on the safety, Hufanga’s commitment to the Broncos serves as a reminder of the intense competition in the NFL and the shifting dynamics of player movement during the legal tampering period. The Broncos, already equipped with several key players, look set to strengthen their defense even further with the addition of Hufanga, who will now start alongside Greenlaw, Mike McGlinchey, and D.J. Jones.
In the end, the Broncos’ efforts to secure Hufanga paid off, leaving the Jets to reassess their next moves in the safety market.