DENVER, CO - The Denver Broncos have officially signed cornerback Mario Goodrich, bringing in the former Birmingham Stallions standout to add depth and athleticism to their defensive backfield. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
From Undrafted to Professional Track
Goodrich's journey began at Clemson, where he played four seasons and was part of the 2018 national championship team. He was recognized as a first-team All‑ACC selection in 2021 and earned MVP honors in the Cheez‑It Bowl. Though he went undrafted in 2022, he spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles-appearing in four games in 2023-and briefly signed with the New York Giants.
UFL Success: A Springboard
In 2025, Goodrich suited up for the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, where he appeared in seven games and made significant contributions: 17 tackles, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. The Broncos signed him shortly after the UFL season concluded.
A Tough Roster to Crack
Denver's roster is already stacked at cornerback. Reigning DPOY Patrick Surtain II stands atop a depth chart featuring Riley Moss, first-round rookie Jahdae Barron, veterans like Ja'Quan McMillian and Damarri Mathis, and other promising defenders.
The Broncos waived Tanner McCalister to clear space for Goodrich, signaling at least a path to the 90-man offseason roster. Team sources describe him as a practice squad or camp competitor who could rise with strong play.
A Defense in Need of Reinforcements
The signing of Goodrich comes as the Broncos continue reshaping a defense that showed flashes of potential but lacked consistency throughout Season 32. While the secondary held up reasonably well-finishing 14th in passing yards allowed at 224.1 per game-the unit as a whole struggled to get off the field.
The Broncos ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing defense, giving up 107.9 yards per game on the ground, good for 31st overall. That inability to control the run often kept opposing offenses on schedule and exposed the defense late in games. They also finished 23rd in points allowed and 21st in total yards surrendered, signs of a group that bent often and broke more than they would've liked.
On the other side of the ball, the offense didn't do the defense many favors. The Broncos ranked 29th in passing yards per game and 25th in total offense, averaging just 22.4 points per contest-22nd in the league. While their rushing attack showed promise, finishing sixth overall, it wasn't enough to overcome the lack of firepower through the air.
For a team trying to rebuild its identity under head coach Max Farias, adding a gritty, physical defender like Goodrich offers low-cost upside at a position group that could use both depth and edge. If he can contribute on special teams and push for rotational snaps, he'll give Denver more flexibility as they search for answers on defense.
