Broncos Sign Former Bengals Safety Tycen Anderson

The 26-year-old will compete for a backup role in Denver's secondary.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:09pm

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The Denver Broncos have signed former Cincinnati Bengals safety Tycen Anderson, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick who developed into a core special teams player and reliable backup defender during his time in Cincinnati. Anderson (6-2, 205) is expected to compete for the No. 3 safety role behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones.

Why it matters

The Broncos were in need of depth at the safety position after losing P.J. Locke to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Anderson provides experienced special teams play and the potential to contribute as a backup defender, giving the Broncos more options in the secondary.

The details

Anderson registered 42 combined tackles and one pass deflection across 41 career appearances with the Bengals. He was a standout at Toledo, earning second-team All-MAC honors in 2020 and first-team All-MAC honors in 2021. The Broncos still hold seven picks in the upcoming draft, including a second-rounder, two fourth-rounders, and three seventh-round choices, so they could look to further address the safety position next month.

  • The Broncos signed Anderson on March 19, 2026.

The players

Tycen Anderson

A 26-year-old safety who was a 2022 fifth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he developed into a core special teams player and reliable backup defender.

Talanoa Hufanga

The Broncos' starting safety, entering his fourth NFL season.

Brandon Jones

The Broncos' other starting safety, entering the final year of his contract and coming off an injury-marred 2025 campaign.

P.J. Locke

The former Broncos safety who signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency this offseason.

Devon Key

A Broncos safety who will compete with Anderson for the No. 3 role.

JL Skinner

A Broncos safety who will compete with Anderson for the No. 3 role.

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What’s next

The Broncos will continue to evaluate the safety position ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold seven selections, including a second-rounder, two fourth-rounders, and three seventh-round choices.

The takeaway

Anderson provides the Broncos with an experienced special teams player and potential backup safety, adding depth to a position group that lost a key contributor in free agency. His addition is part of the team's ongoing efforts to build roster depth and competition ahead of the 2026 season.