Broncos Sign CB Aqib Talib to Blockbuster Deal

January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have shocked the NFL world, signing former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib to a six-year, $57 million contract worth $26 million guaranteed.

It’s the biggest contract the Broncos have given out since they signed Peyton Manning to a $96 million contract in 2012.

There is a ton of talk that this is a bad move for the Broncos financially, but at $26 million guaranteed it’s likely the Broncos could get out of the deal after three years, averaging a little under $9 million per season, which is absolutely the going rate for top cornerbacks nowadays.

Alterraun Verner’s deal with Tampa is the exception, not the rule.

The Broncos had a tough choice to make between Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a player on the open market, and they opted for the bigger, more physical style of Talib.

The price is hefty, but the Broncos were killed in the Super Bowl, and they had to do something about a defense that saw great improvement in 2012 only to deteriorate and fall apart with injuries in 2013. The Broncos also needed players that can force turnovers.

Well…

This is a blockbuster move for Denver, one that changes the landscape of free agency. For the second consecutive year, the Broncos have also poached the top free agent off of New England’s roster, their biggest rival in the AFC.

This is a huge move for the Denver defense, with more yet to come.