They are the powdered sugar on the brownie.
NFL receivers are a multisensory experience through their interviews and highlights. But let’s be honest: Their impact is more memorable on fantasy teams than those functioning in reality.
There are certain things the Broncos should not do this offseason. Trading for a veteran receiver is one of them.
Repeat after me: The Broncos don’t need Deebo Samuel or Cooper Kupp. Avoid dessert before the main course. It’s not worth the stomach ache.
Hearing those aforementioned players connected to Denver over the past week perks the ears of Broncos Country. Why wouldn’t it? The Broncos could use a true No. 1 wideout or complementary option to pair with Courtland Sutton. Kupp and Samuel are obvious upgrades over Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
But that is a barstool debate. Where the Broncos are in their climb demands context. Denver reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015 because they were younger and hungrier.
Not older. And more injured.
Samuel, given permission to seek a trade, teased the possibility of joining the Broncos last week, saying they could be “something special” in 2025.
“Bo Nix is playing really, really good ball right now. The defense is outrageous. You have (Pat Surtain II) out there. He’s probably been the best at the position the last two years and you’ve got the other guy on the other side (Riley Moss),” Samuel said to Bleacher Report. “I think you just need a couple more pieces and it will be what it needs to be. You just have to get past Patrick Mahomes every year.”
Samuel is not the missing piece. He was an All-Pro in 2021. Only dogs age faster than receivers. Samuel is 29. He has averaged 731 yards and four touchdowns over the past three seasons, while being hurt and loud, unable to avoid conflicts with coaches and teammates.
But is he Sean Payton’s elusive “joker”? Nope. There is only one Joker in Denver. And he plays for the Nuggets. The most recent players to audition for that role were Greg Dulcich and Marvin Mims Jr. Can we come up with a new adjective to describe this hybrid position out of respect for three-time MVP?
Samuel, by the way, is not much of a runner anymore. Since 2021, he has averaged 40 carries for 198 yards and three touchdowns per season. Could the Broncos use this boost? Perhaps. But not at the cost required.
Samuel wants out because he does not want to be in the backfield. And he covets a contract extension. So even if the acquisition price was moderate — say, a fifth-round pick — he carries a $15.87 million cap charge. That means the Broncos would make a declining player their highest-paid receiver.
That is nonsensical. It would infuriate Sutton — he would have every reason to demand a new deal and needs one anyway to prevent stunting Nix’s development– and Samuel excelling on screen passes is juice that’s not worth the squeeze.
What about Kupp? He has been referred to as your favorite player’s favorite player. That was a long time ago. He turns 32 in June and hasn’t played in more than 12 games since 2021. Trading for him would trigger a $12.5 million salary for the acquiring team if the Rams pick up a roster bonus, per Over The Cap.
Again, it’s too much. Was I the same guy who suggested the Broncos needed to trade for Tee Higgins last season? Yes, Google machine. Higgins, though, just turned 26 and posted a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2024. He is ascending, making the price more acceptable.
I would avoid the diminished veteran receiver for a more obvious reason: the Broncos need an every-down back. Javonte Williams’ 513 yards last season were the lowest ever by a leading rusher for Payton.
Running back is the play (adding Taysom Hill as a gadget player would not hurt). Receivers are necessary but overrated. Look at those who changed teams last season: Stephon Diggs (Houston), Davante Adams (Jets), Amari Cooper (Bills), Calvin Ridley (Titans), Gabe Davis (Jaguars) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs).
Not one of them delivered in the way imagined when acquired.
Compare that to the top running backs who found new spots: Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Derrick Henry (Ravens), Aaron Jones (Vikings), Joe Mixon (Houston) and J.K. Dobbins (Chargers). All made the playoffs and were wildly productive.
This is the route. Not acquiring an older player running routes with fingers crossed that a deep ball doesn’t lead to the trainer’s room. A more balanced offense will benefit Nix more than an overpriced target whose Carfax report reveals too many accidents.
It is simple. The Broncos need to pursue the cake, not the frosting.
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