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During an interview with Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams Show” at the Super Bowl last week, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said the team splits their positions to target into three categories: musts, needs and wants.
Adams suggested that a veteran wide receiver is a “must” for the Broncos and Payton countered with, “I’d say we need a Joker,” which is a tight end or running back with exceptional receiving skills.
When asked specifically what category a veteran wide receiver fits in, Payton responded: “I think a veteran wide receiver fits in a need.” Notably, he did not call it a must-have position.
“I would say, we’re stronger there than some would think,” Payton said. “You know, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin — there’s a number of receivers that we drafted a year ago.”
Courtland Sutton is returning as the team’s No. 1 receiver and the Broncos also have Marvin Mims as well as Vele and Franklin, as Payton mentioned. Lil’Jordan Humphrey is scheduled to become a free agent in March.
Denver has been linked to veteran trade candidates Garrett Wilson, Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel, but Payton’s comments seem to suggest the team has more pressing needs than wide receiver.
Either the coach is attempting a smoke screen, or the Broncos are planning to continue developing the WRs they already have while perhaps targeting more weapons in the draft. Denver will undoubtedly add receivers to the roster this offseason, but the team might not make a splash trade at the position.