The Broncos showed a willingness to spend in free agency in order to contend for the Super Bowl in 2014 when they signed strong safety T.J. Ward. But just hours after the Ward signing, late on Tuesday night Adam Schefter reported Aqib Talib signed with the Broncos.

The Broncos were in need of another top cornerback, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie a free agent and Champ Bailey gone, Denver was in the hunt for several free agent cornerbacks. But the announcement late last night still came as a surprise, given the Broncos limited cap space and still having interest in wide receiver James Jones and defensive end DeMarcus Ware. But the Broncos were open to paying the big bucks for a top corner and that’s just what they did.

Talib was a big question mark with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Always flashing talent but causing a lot of problems with his attitude and dealing with off the field issues. Then Talib was traded to the New England Patriots where his issues seemed to vanish and he became a top corner. Under Bill Belichick in 19 games, Talib posted 60 total tackles, five interceptions and 15 pass deflections with the Patriots. Talib stepped up with his coverage ability and his maturity, now the Broncos hope that can continue in Denver. 

While Talib wasn’t considered to be the top cornerback on the market, just behind Alterraun Verner and Vontae Davis, he cashed in as the highest paid player on the first day of free agency. Talib signed a six-year deal worth $57 million, and $26 million of that is guaranteed. In total the Broncos forked out $70 million to Ward and Talib, with $38 million of that guaranteed.

It’s a lot of money to spend, but the Broncos have now put together a top defense that under defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio can make them Super Bowl favorites again. Denver now has a secondary with a top outside corner who can match up against number one wide receivers on the outside and one of the best slot corners in the game with Chris Harris. Now you have a secondary that can match up against some of the top offenses and not give up 40 points.

You pair the upgraded Broncos’ secondary along with a front-seven that includes Von Miller, Terrance Knighton and could still add Ware; this is a vastly improved defense from last year’s team. Denver already had a record-breaking offense last season and even with the departure of wide receiver Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno this is still an elite offense with Peyton Manning at quarterback.

Now the Broncos have an elite offense, a great defense and still hold control over all of their 2014 draft picks. They can continue to fill some needs on the offensive line, defensive line and add depth at linebacker and wide receiver. It cost them truckloads of money, but the Broncos are right back in it as Super Bowl favorites and now have the AFC playing catch up.