Sports

The Broncos returned to the playoffs last season for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 and linebacker Alex Singleton is looking to that championship team as inspiration for the year to come.

Defense carried the Broncos for much of that season and the unit's performance overwhelmed the Panthers in Levi's Stadium to secure the title. The 2024 Broncos finished third in points allowed and seventh in yards allowed, so it was already a strength before adding players like linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron this offseason.

Singleton told Zac Stevens of DNVR that he didn't expect that investment in the defense and that he feels "it’s going to be special" enough to support setting some high goals for the year to come. Singleton said "if you’re not saying you want to be the best, I think it’s crazy" and he's got his sights set on that Super Bowl crew.

“It’s one of those things where it’s like, ‘Let’s be better than the 2015 defense.’ Stuff where like that’s what we need to chase,” Singleton said.

The AFC has no shortage of contenders, but reaching the lofty goal that Singleton has set for the Broncos could put them in the mix for another February trip to Santa Clara.

The Dolphins are on the hunt for a new tight end.

Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Miami is engaged with multiple teams about acquiring a player at the position after agreeing to trade Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh on Monday.

After the deal is finalized, the Dolphins will have Pharaoh Brown, Tanner Conner, Jalin Conyers, Julian Hill, and Hayden Rucci on their roster at the position.

Brown is the most experienced of the group, having caught 72 passes for 751 yards with three touchdowns in 87 career games for the Raiders, Browns, Texans, Patriots, and Seahawks.

While Conner has been with the club for the last three seasons, he has just three catches for 16 yards in his career. Hill caught 12 passes for 100 yards in 16 games with 11 starts for Miami last year.

At this point, it’s unclear who Miami could be talking to about a deal. But by getting the information out there, the Dolphins are certainly looking to upgrade the position before training camp starts in July.

Jonnu Smith is headed to Pittsburgh, too.

The Steelers and Dolphins had been engaged in trade talks for the tight end earlier this offseason. Now, the deal has been agreed to, as Pittsburgh has acquired Smith in the same blockbuster deal that will send Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers and Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins.

Via multiple reports, Pittsburgh has acquired Ramsey, Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Smith, 29, will also receive a one-year, $12 million extension with Pittsburgh.

This will be Smith’s third stint with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who previously coached the tight end as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator and Atlanta’s head coach.

Last year, Smith set new career highs with 88 receptions and 884 yards, tying a career high with eight touchdowns. Smith was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

Now, Smith is set to be another strong target for newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers.