After an underwhelming first season under Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos are starting to show signs of life as they look to revitalize their franchise. A record of 8-9 in Payton’s debut was disappointing, often disguising just how dire the situation was. The decision to part ways with Russell Wilson, incurring a hefty $53 million in dead money for the upcoming season, exemplified the drastic measures needed to reset the team’s trajectory.
Fast forward to this offseason, and you can see the unmistakable shift. Payton and the front office have worked swiftly to inject new energy into the roster without the burden of a quarterback whose salary might have weighed down their plans. Enter Bo Nix, whose impressive rookie season opened up possibilities within Payton’s offense and gave Denver fans a reason for renewed optimism.
However, despite this revitalization, the Broncos still find themselves on the fringes of contention. They managed to secure a wild card spot last season, but a first-round exit at the hands of the Bills serves as a stark reminder that there’s more work to be done. To elevate their game, bolstering their offensive firepower is crucial.
The Broncos are already making strides in this department, recently signing veteran tight end Evan Engram after his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Engram’s experience will undoubtedly provide Nix with reliable options as he continues to learn and grow in this new system.
Looking ahead, analysts like Dan Treacy from The Sporting News suggest that Denver may not be done just yet in the pursuit of veteran talent. Treacy has earmarked Amari Cooper as a potential target. Though Cooper had a subpar 2024 season, recording only 547 yards and four touchdowns split between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, he has a history of bouncing back from disappointing performances. His past experience suggests he could provide the kind of support Nix needs as he transitions into a starting role.
While Cooper’s performance in 2024 was less than stellar, it’s also essential to understand the challenges he faced. He struggled early on with the tumultuous Browns offense under Deshaun Watson and later found himself displaced in Buffalo, running the majority of his routes in just a fraction of the games. These circumstances highlight Cooper’s potential for a resurgence, especially as he could complement Denver’s existing weapons like Courtland Sutton.
For the Broncos, making a strategic move for Cooper, unless they’re firmly set on drafting a standout like Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka, or Luther Burden at pick No. 20, could be pivotal. This is a crucial window for the team, particularly during Nix’s rookie contract, and acquiring established playmakers like Cooper is a smart way to maximize that window. If executed correctly, this could be a significant win for the Broncos, aiding their quest to take that next step toward true contention.
