The Denver Broncos surprised many after finishing with a 10-7 record last season and are a dangerous team to watch out for in the future. The Broncos were led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns. But if they intend to contend for the playoffs, they need to upgrade the supporting cast around him.
Denver’s offense finished 17th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season, and it is now predicted to be upgraded with a veteran receiver who has 42 career touchdowns and is also a fan of Nix.
Broncos Predicted To Acquire Deebo Samuel Sr.
Denver traded away Jerry Jeudy, their second-most productive receiver, before the season to the Cleveland Browns. While Courtland Sutton managed 1,081 receiving yards, Jeudy’s absence left a hole in that second WR slot where no one truly stepped up to replace him.
That’s where former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. could help the Broncos and end head coach Sean Payton’s search for his “Joker.”
The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer also predicted the same, suggesting that Payton could make use of Samuel’s ability to produce out of the backfield or lined up wide or in the slot in addition to the receiving work with Sutton.
“Samuel would be used well in Denver, with Sean Payton and Joe Lombardi designing special packages for him on top of favorable complementary receiving work opposite Courtland Sutton. Samuel needs a change from a winning, veteran-filled locker room, and this would give him a chance to reset as a leader for a youthful up-and-coming contender.”
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Football analyst and former Rookie of the Year, Robert Griffin III suggests the same to Denver.
“The Denver Broncos should trade for Deebo Samuel. Sean Payton said he needs a ‘Joker’ who can be an elite receiver who can play RB/TE, create mismatches and own the middle. That’s Deebo. Sean Payton will understand how to use his versatility and get him back to his YAC Attack,” he posted on X.
The Denver Broncos should trade for Deebo Samuel. Sean Payton said he needs a “Joker” who can be an elite receiver who can play RB/TE, create mismatches and own the middle. That’s Deebo. Sean Payton will understand how to use his versatility and get him back to his YAC Attack. pic.twitter.com/KWZ1ajrO4l
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 9, 2025
Samuel is also looking for a trade out of the 49ers and has praised the Broncos as a team that is building something special.
However, Samuel has not had his best seasons over the last three years, and he failed to reach 1,000 total yards in 2024. If Denver manages to get him, he could open up things for Nix vertically, thus making this Broncos offense far more explosive than in 2024.
Samuel has one year left in his contract and carries a $15.8 million cap hit for San Francisco, while Denver will need to pay him around $17.5 million in cash in 2025 on his current deal. However, with $15.4 million of that being an option bonus, his cap number for 2025 will be just $4.26 million, with the remaining $12.3 million hitting the cap when the contract voids in 2026.