What a difference a week makes.

After such a disappointing 2020 season, it was so refreshing to see the Denver Broncos hit the ground running in free agency. Not only did Denver retain key players, but they added pieces that will most certainly improve fortunes going into 2021.

Fans should be excited to see Von Miller, Shelby Harris, and Justin Simmons return. These were three players the Broncos absolutely had to keep and they did so. Simmons and Harris earned every cent of their extensions with their efforts on the field. Favorites of fans and teammates alike, you would be hard pressed to find anyone not thrilled that Denver retained their services.

Then there’s Von who spent all of last season recovering from a freak foot injury incurred just prior to the start of the season. You can’t let Von Miller go out after a dud of a season like that. He was motivated and hungry leading up to last season, and I certainly expect him to be more so this season. To expect Von to play like anything less than a wild animal is to not know Von.

One of Denver’s greatest needs going into free agency was at corner. Early mock drafts predicted that Denver would use #9 overall in this area. Instead of listening to keyboard prognosticators, Broncos GM George Paton opted to sign the two best available corners on the market, Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. What was the area of greatest need is now an area of greatest strength.

In just a week, there is now buzz around this defense that rivals the optimism of the “No Fly Zone” Broncos of 2015. While those kinds of comparisons in March may be a little premature, there’s noting wrong with being impressed at the Broncos recent moves.

One hell of a week.

HORSE TRACKS

Broncos Insider: Top five NFL free agents still left on the market
Jadeveon Clowney's played a full season just once in his career, and only played eight games last season due to a knee injury, limiting him to 19 total tackles and no sacks.

A position-by-position look at Denver’s roster after the first wave of free agency
Following a series of moves made by new General Manager George Paton this week, Denver’s roster is now in far better shape.

Broncos' Shelby Harris vows new contract won't change his play | 9news.com
“Nothing really changes for me,’’ said Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris in an exclusive interview with 9News.

Inside the Justin Simmons deal - ProFootballTalk

Report: Bears likely to keep Akiem Hicks - ProFootballTalk

Isaiah Wilson clears waivers, becomes a free agent - ProFootballTalk

Report: Several teams remain interested in a Deshaun Watson trade - ProFootballTalk

FMIA: Free-Agency Millions Or NFL TV Billions, Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Simply Is 'In This Business To Win' - ProFootballTalk
Peter King's Football Morning In America column includes NFL free agency, new TV deals, Deshaun Watson news, possible replay official rule change, more.

New-look Los Angeles Rams add veteran to their wide receiver corps, secure deal with DeSean Jackson
The new-look Los Angeles Rams gave quarterback Matthew Stafford a veteran presence to throw to when they added DeSean Jackson to their wide receiver group on Sunday.

2021 NFL free agency tracker: Updates on where the top 100 free agents have signed - CBSSports.com
Follow along with our running list of top free agents, their new teams and contracts

Giants frontrunners to land former Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson, per reports - CBSSports.com
The former first-round pick is also scheduled to visit the Eagles

2021 NFL Draft buzz: Patriots really high on Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, per report - CBSSports.com
Could New England trade up for a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Jets sign former Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to two-year deal, per report - CBSSports.com
New York's rebuilt D-line gets another new face

Colts' Kenny Moore calls his four months with the Patriots depressing and 'robotic' - CBSSports.com
Moore says there's nothing fun about playing football in New England

NFL free agency 2021: Chargers' Melvin Ingram headlines the top 10 remaining players - CBSSports.com
Several top free agents are still sitting on the market