The Denver Broncos are bringing back another key depth piece on defense, as linebacker Dondrea Tillman has officially re-signed with the team, according to the NFL’s transaction wire on Friday.
The move adds to an already impressive defensive unit that ranked among the league’s best last season—No. 7 in total defense, No. 3 in both scoring and rushing defense, and No. 3 in red zone efficiency. While their pass defense ranked 19th, the Broncos were solid on third downs, finishing 11th in that category.
This offseason, Denver strengthened its defensive core by signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga to three-year deals. They now join a stacked group featuring standout players like Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Riley Moss, Brandon Jones, Jonathon Cooper, and John Franklin-Myers. Tillman’s return provides valuable depth and continuity as the Broncos aim to build on their defensive dominance heading into the 2025 season.
Dondrea Tillman has officially signed his one-year, $960,000 contract with the Denver Broncos after receiving no offers in free agency. Denver had tendered the undrafted linebacker earlier in March. Tillman’s path to the NFL has been anything but typical—after going undrafted out of Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he took two years off from football before reviving his career. He spent 2021 with the Conquerors in The Spring League, followed by two seasons in the USFL and one in the UFL before finally getting his NFL shot.
Last season, Tillman made the most of his opportunity, appearing in 12 games and posting 23 tackles (13 solo), five sacks, and five run stuffs. Though considered a bit of a “tweener” for the position, he has shown flashes of real potential and will provide valuable depth at outside linebacker behind projected starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. His story is a testament to perseverance, and he’ll look to build on his solid 2024 campaign as part of Denver’s formidable defense.
