Diontae Spencer
While Spencer is small in stature, his story to the Broncos is anything but. As a former small school standout (McNeese St.), Diontae Spencer first came into the league as an UDFA with the St. Louis Rams. After being an early camp cut by the Rams, Spencer’s football path took him north up to the CFL.
In his four years up north, Spencer racked up 259 receptions for 3,137 yards and 19 TD’s, earning himself two CFL East All Star honors. With those accolades under his belt, Spencer got another try in the NFL this past off-season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While his time with the Steelers was limited to one pre-season, he ended up making his biggest impact with the Broncos this past season as their lead punt returner.
Since coming to Denver as a pre-season waiver claim, Spencer has led the way for the Broncos on the return units.
26 Punt Returns for 208 yards (longest return: 42 yards)
15 Kick Returns for 436 yards (longest return: 60 yards)
Spencer’s first NFL season resulted in him earning accolades as a Pro Bowl alternate for his return duties.
On offense, he only had nine touches (6 catches, 31 yards. 3 rushes, 6 yards). While those numbers aren’t enough to suggest that he sticks around in 2020, I think his Special Teams ability beg to differ.
While he looks like a one trick pony on Special Teams, the Broncos don’t have a better option right now at returner and with him scheduled to be an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, it would appear that Spencer isn’t going anywhere.
2020 Status: Mortar