The Denver Broncos’ wide receiving unit had a ton of hype going into the season, but the unit now needs an infusion of more talent. I look at this position as being an underrated need for the Broncos going into 2023.
The hype coming into this season was warranted on paper but largely undeserved. Tim Patrick went down in the offseason, and the trio of KJ Hamler, Courtland Sutton, and Jerry Jeudy have all either been inconsistent at times or have struggled to get and stay on the field.
KJ Hamler has been a total non-factor this year, and I’d find it surprising if he isn’t traded in 2023. He simply has not done much as a Bronco, and if the team could get a late round pick for his services, that might be something they should look into.
With Tim Patrick recovering from a torn ACL, who knows how effective he’ll be. He turns 30 during the 2023 season, so I’m not sure how much the team can trust him until he proves it. He also might take a while to regain full trust in the knee, so Patrick’s usual effectiveness might not be present until weeks into the new season.
Courtland Sutton, this year, seems to be struggling and doesn’t seem to be his usual big play self. He hasn’t made a ton of jump-ball type catches like we’ve seen him make, and the drops appear to be hurting him as well.
Part of me thinks the team would answer the phone if another team wanted his services, and I think the Broncos would listen.
As for Jerry Jeudy, he’s really come into his own the past several games and most definitely has emerged as a true WR1 and the best pass catcher on the team. Jeudy went from perhaps almost being traded at the deadline to a crucial part of the offense.
In 2023, I think Denver should make at least one notable addition to the wide receiver room with a free agency signing. Jakobi Meyers would be a nice get, as would DJ Chark. The current WR free agency market is nothing special, so Denver would have to act quick.
I also think the team should consider using Courtland Sutton as a trade piece to try and upgrade his role as the X player.
I have personally advocated for the Broncos and Cardinals to work out a trade that would send DeAndre Hopkins and a late round draft pick to the Broncos for Courtland Sutton. I think Denver needs to try and make a splash move at this position to give Jeudy a competent running mate.
Also, I would not rule out the team using a mid round pick on a wide receiver either. It’s important that Denver addresses the depth in this unit as it’s been tested this year and has not held up well.
My overarching point here is that I’d love to see some quality changes to this unit in 2023 and would love to see them done building around Jerry Jeudy.