After signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the New York Jets, reports started flying out of Denver. Per Ari Meirov, the Denver Broncos made an aggressive push to sign the former Packers receiver.
Denver receiver rumors
This is interesting news, as it connects to previous reports that the Broncos are fielding calls on Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and K.J. Hamler. While Courtland Sutton is a great player, he hasn’t looked the same after returning from a torn ACL. Jerry Jeudy should be untouchable, as he is Denver’s top receiver and is primed to break out under Sean Payton.
Now when it comes to K.J. Hamler, I would 100% pull the trigger on a trade if I were George Paton. Hamler hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and when on the field hasn’t had a real deep threat impact. The best-case scenario in my opinion is if Denver trades Hamler, and signs Mecole Hardman.
The Broncos pursuing Allen Lazard makes a ton of sense. He fits Sean Payton’s offensive scheme perfectly, as he is also great as a run-blocker. Realistically, Denver never stood a chance against the Jets, due to the Aaron Rodgers situation.
I’d expect one of Courtland Sutton and/or K.J. Hamler to be moved within the coming weeks. Denver is in need of more draft capital this year, and this is their chance to acquire more picks.
Who are potential replacement receivers?
At the top of the list is Texans wideout, Brandin Cooks. Over the past two seasons, we’ve seen Cooks express his frustration in Houston, and the desire to be traded or released. A potential trade for Cooks makes sense, as he’d be reuniting with Sean Payton.
The asking price would most likely be a combination of day two picks, as well as future assets. I think Cooks is the perfect fit for Denver, and if they were to move on from Sutton, would be an upgrade at receiver. Ever since the Broncos traded for Sean Payton, Cooks has been noticed by many fans liking tweets being linked to Denver and Broncos news in general.
We will see if Denver will continue to be aggressive and if they view Courtland Sutton as a key piece in the offense. Overall, I would say to not look too much into the Broncos pursuing Lazard, but to keep in mind Denver is still looking for ways to improve the offense and Russell Wilson the best they can.
Denver linked to C.J Gardner-Johnson
Per Aaron Wilson, the Denver Broncos are amongst the teams with interest in safety C.J Gardner-Johnson. This is the second “big” piece of news we’ve heard since Gardern-Johnson reportedly followed the Broncos and many players on social media.
This move makes sense as it would create the best safety duo in the NFL, alongside Justin Simmons. Also, he’d be joining Sean Payton, who he played for during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
I do believe Denver will be aggressive in their pursuit of Gardner-Johnson and continue to be the top team in free agency. Lastly, yes, the Broncos do have the cap space to pull this move off. They would have to backload the contract, so that way the larger cap hits would come toward the end of a multi-year deal.
This would be a huge addition to the secondary, and another piece to slow down the loaded AFC West.
