The Denver Broncos needed help amid injuries to their roster, and they found it in a rather familiar face.
Filling holes is a tricky proposition at this stage of the season, where teams are limited to players who were not on other teams’ rosters at the end of the regular campaign. In that sense, the Broncos were very fortunate.
How heavily they will need to lean on their new addition remains to be seen.
Broncos Bring Back Former Free Agent Find
GettyBrandon Johnson #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after catching a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“#Broncos are bringing back WR Brandon Johnson to their practice squad. Was with Broncos in 2022-23, had 25 catches, 5 TDs,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported in a post on X on January 20. “Was on PSquads with Steelers and Bucs this year. Knows Sean Payton offense so good insurance with WR group banged up.”
Johnson boasts a strong pre-existing connection with Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is taking over starting duties for the injured Bo Nix.
Johnson, 27, was an undrafted free agent out of UCF in 2022.
He began his career with the Broncos and was with the organization through 2024, bouncing between the active roster and practice squad. He also had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 offseason.
Johnson did not play in 2025, but he has caught 26 passes for 335 yards and 5 touchdowns in his career. He posted a 25-326-5 line in two seasons with the Broncos.
Johnson played in 20 games for the Broncos, starting two.
Broncos Have All-Pro Secret Weapon
GettyMarvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Broncos are navigating some noteworthy roster depth issues, specifically at the wide receiver position. Second-year fourth-round pick Troy Franklin Jr. and rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant were both injured in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills.
Courtland Sutton is still healthy, though, and the Broncos are not exactly out of options. Klis highlighted 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims.
Mims is also an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler as a return specialist.
“Might be time to take Marvin Mims off still dangerous kickoff return (keep him on punt return) and full out invest in him as No. 2 even No. 1 WR,” Klis posted on X on January 19. “Especially with Franklin hamstring injury, Mims by far Broncos No. 1 impact threat.”
Mims, 23, caught 37 passes for 322 yards and 1 TD during the 2025 regular season. He broke out with an 8-93-1 line against the Bills.
Mims had 39 receptions for 503 yards and 6 TDs in 2024, so he is capable of more.
However, the Broncos have mostly rostered bigger-bodied options at wideout under Payton, with Brant, Franklin, and Sutton all standing 6-foot-2 or taller. Ditto for veteran Lil’Jordan Humphrey, which could bode well for Johnson’s chances of receiving playing time.
Broncos Make Room for WR’s Return
GettyMichael Deiter #63 of the Miami Dolphins goes through a drill during training camp.
The Broncos had to create space to bring Johnson back, and they thinned their offensive line depth to do so.
However, the motivation behind who to cut comes with encouraging news.
“#Broncos released veteran center Michael Dieter from practice squad per wire,” Klis added in a separate report. “Move makes room for WR Brandon Johnson. Starting center Luke Wattenberg expected back from IR this week.”
The Broncos are also hoping to get running back J.K. Dobbins back in the mix, which would be a significant boost to the roster.
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