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5 wide receivers the Broncos should have eyes on in the 2023 offseason

By Sayre Bedinger

Denver Broncos; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) reacts to a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) reacts to a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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One thing that has become abundantly clear with the Denver Broncos in the 2022 season is that the team needs more playmakers offensively. As the team prepares for its first matchup of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s embarrassing enough that they are already basically out of playoff contention, while the Chiefs have a chance to clinch.

What’s worse? The Broncos are trotting out a group of receivers against Kansas City that competed for roster spots during training camp and preseason games. That’s not to say these players lack talent and can’t step up to make big plays, but they are young receivers still in development who have proven in recent weeks they are not quite yet ready for full-time roles in the NFL. This is the group of receivers the Broncos will trot out against the Chiefs this coming weekend:

  • Jerry Jeudy (with an injured ankle)
  • Brandon Johnson
  • Kendall Hinton
  • Jalen Virgil
  • Montrell Washington

At different times, all of these guys have made plays for the Broncos this year, but nothing consistent from anyone. As we look ahead with one eye on the 2023 offseason already, the wide receiver position will be in focus for the Broncos both in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. Although there are certainly a ton of players to consider at that position, let’s take a look at five you should file away as possibilities early on.

Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants takes to the field prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on December 04, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

1. Denver Broncos should consider free agent WR Darius Slayton

With two wide receivers already having contract extensions (Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick), it stands to reason that the Broncos might have to be a bit on the budget-friendly side when it comes to free agent receivers. This year’s group of free agent receivers — before roster cuts are made — isn’t overly thrilling but there are some good players who could be intriguing in any offense the Broncos run with Russell Wilson in 2023.

Starting with Darius Slayton.

Slayton has been the subject of trade rumors for what feels like a couple of years at this point, but the Giants have held onto him and are seeing him make some big plays in Brian Daboll’s offense. He’s averaging 17.2 yards per reception this season and while he’s not close to his career-high of eight touchdown catches, Slayton is proving himself to be a big-play receiver capable of blowing the top off a defense.

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