Broncos finally make big-time move at WR we’ve waited for
The Denver Broncos finally made a big-time move at the wide receiver position that everyone in Broncos Country has been waiting for.
After injuries to both Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, the Denver Broncos have finally made the roster move that everyone in Broncos Country has been waiting for. The team worked out and subsequently signed veteran John Brown, a player who seriously considered signing in Denver back in 2019 when he was an unrestricted free agent.
He ended up signing with the Buffalo Bills that year and that turned out to be a great move for both Brown and Buffalo.
Brown has been a 1,000-yard receiver twice in his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills. He signed on with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency this past offseason but the Raiders decided to move on after training camp and preseason action.
Broncos finally make big-time move at WR we’ve waited for signing John Brown
The Broncos signed Brown to their practice squad, a move that was first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The team has since confirmed.
We've signed WR John Brown to our practice squad.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 12, 2021
Prior to the 2014 NFL Draft, Brown ran a blazing 4.34 in the 40-yard dash. He has always had outstanding speed but he really improved with his efficiency per target once he got to the Buffalo Bills.
Prior to signing with the Bills, he had a career completion percentage of 50.2 percent.
In two seasons with Buffalo, his catch percentage was 62.9 percent.
It was definitely a surprise that Brown didn’t make it out of camp with the Raiders, but it’s also possible that he asked for a release after it was apparent he would be fighting for targets with the likes of Darren Waller, Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, and breakthrough player Bryan Edwards.
Unlike in Denver, the receiving core in Las Vegas has managed to stay healthy in the early goings of the season.
Frankly, it’s a bit surprising the Broncos did not consider this move much sooner than now. It’s one we’ve been suggesting for a few weeks.
Interestingly enough, the signing comes a couple of weeks after the Broncos were really in an “emergency” situation at the receiver position. They obviously brought in David Moore after the KJ Hamler injury, a player who has 13 career touchdowns (more than any receiver on Denver’s roster).
Even with the David Moore addition, the team’s depth at wide receiver has been depleted and no one is currently proving to be a threat to take the top off of a defense.
Brown now gives the Broncos a guy who can do that and who has proven he can do it.
For the time being, Brown will get to know the offense on the practice squad. Hopefully, another situation doesn’t come up with the Broncos that we just recently saw where linebacker Avery Williamson requested his release so he could sign with the Titans active roster.
The Broncos need Brown even when Jerry Jeudy returns from injury. With a healthy Jerry Jeudy and the additions of Brown and Moore, along with the development of Kendall Hinton, the Broncos’ depth will finally be replenished at receiver.