The Broncos have agreed to terms with UFL cornerback Mario Goodrich, James Larsen of UFL Newsroom reports.
Goodrich played seven games for the Birmingham Stallions, including one in the postseason, and totaled 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
He signed with the Eagles after going undrafted out of Clemson in 2022 and played four games for the team in 2023. Goodrich started one of those contests and recorded five tackles.
The Eagles waived Goodrich during training camp last summer, and the Giants claimed him. New York waived Goodrich with an injury designation out of the preseason.
Could veteran safety Justin Simmons end up on another NFC South club in 2025?
According to Joe Person of TheAthletic.com, the Panthers have been in touch with Simmons’ representation about potentially joining the team. But no signing is imminent at this time.
That makes sense, as Carolina wrapped up its minicamp last week and training camp isn’t set to begin until late July.
Simmons has familiarity with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who served in the same role with the Broncos in 2022. Simmons led the NFL with six interceptions that season.
A third-round pick in 2016, Simmons spent his first eight seasons with the Broncos before he was released. He then signed a one-year deal with the Falcons for 2024, starting 16 games with the club. Simmons finished the year with 62 total tackles, seven passes defensed, and two interceptions.
Simmons has 71 career passes defensed and 32 interceptions in 134 games with 124 starts.
Former Ravens and Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins has officially joined the Broncos. And he’s very happy to be in Denver.
“It felt amazing,” Dobbins said regarding the signing of a one-year contract. “It’s a true blessing to me. I’m so happy to be here. We’re going to do great things this year.”
Why the Broncos?
“I felt like it was the best fit for me,” Dobbins said. “The defense is really good — like super good. The quarterback is amazing. I like the [running back] room. [The offensive] line is amazing as well. It was a no-brainer — and coach Sean Payton and all the other coaches on staff, too. I know I’ll get coached well here. I also heard that it’s a good fan base. That’s why I’m here.”
He also sees a benefit in getting a chance to face the team that complicated his effort to maximize his 2025 compensation with the application of the little-used unrestricted free agent tender.
“I always have a chip on my shoulder, but that was a little weird,” Dobbins said. “It’s a business. It’s for my agent to handle. Good luck to [the Chargers]. I’m a Bronco now. They have to see me twice a year. That’s my thoughts on it.
“I’m going to have the chip on my shoulder, of course, but I’m here. I’m worried about winning more than just beating — I don’t want to just beat the Chargers. I want to go on and I want to get a ring. I’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve played, so I’m tired of losing in them. That’s my goal. Bring a Super Bowl to the city and just be a blessing to the community, as well.
Dobbins joins a backfield that is headlined by rookie RJ Harvey. Dobbins, if healthy, could end up being the top option.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is now free to discuss running back J.K. Dobbins.
Payton declined to comment on reports that Dobbins would sign with the team when he met with reporters on Tuesday, but said that he believed a deal was close. The deal is now done.
The Broncos announced Dobbins’ addition to their 90-man roster on Wednesday. Dobbins bounced back from years of injuries with the Ravens to run 195 times for 905 yards and nine touchdowns and he will now join Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime in the Denver backfield.
The team also announced that they have released long snapper Zach Triner in a corresponding move.
The Broncos had a very good defense last year. They’ve added multiple key pieces to it this year.
So does coach Sean Payton think this will be the best defense he has ever coached?
“We’ll see,” Payton told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re sitting here in June talking about the best. We have a chance to be a real good defense, and time will tell. Lucky enough, I’ve been a part of some really good defenses. We just have to keep improving. Really all of this is in preparation for training camp.”
Recently, NBC’s Devin McCourty dubbed Denver’s defense as the best in the league.
In free agency, the Broncos signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga from the 49ers. They also added cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the draft.
Even if it’s close, the Broncos will become a serious contender in the AFC. And they’ll possibly be good enough to keep the Chiefs from winning their 10th straight division championship.
