Position by position wish list for Denver Broncos in Free Agency
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Carter
We recently talked about reunions for Sean Payton and Russell Wilson, but we cannot forget about new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Lombardi is under scrutiny simply due to fans questioning the hire when at the end of the day, the buck stops with Payton. Also, it’s still important to understand as a team to bring familiarity with players to new organizations. DeAndre Carter might actually be the type of player to watch out for if you’re the Denver Broncos.
Wide receiver is a need even before the Courtland Sutton trade block news. The team has to find that kind of player alongside KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington. Admittedly, Denver does need to find a consistent deep threat who can take the top off. Hamler can definitely be that player and Washington can as well. However, Hamler’s injury history and Washington’s decision-making on special teams can derail opportunities. Make no mistake though that both are capable of being that player.
This is why a player like Carter makes sense as that option in free agency before heading into the draft. Carter was part of Lombardi’s offense in Los Angeles with Justin Herbert at quarterback. Carter has speed and solid ball-tracking ability as a deep threat. If Denver decides to be aggressive here for this option, Carter makes too much sense. While it was one season it was also his best year as an NFL player. It would not surprise me in the least if this is a signing pre or post-NFL Draft.
DJ Chark
There’s another fascinating wide receiver on the open market and that is DJ Chark. Chark is a former 1,000-yard receiver with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 where he was selected to his only Pro Bowl. His most disappointing season was in 2021 before joining Detroit. With the Lions, Chark provided nice contribution even though he only started in 10 games. With 500+ yards receiving it begs question if he would have been close to accomplishing nearly 1,000 yards again.
Chark sustained an ankle injury in October, but thankfully it will not require surgery. This means Chark should be fully healthy by this point in March. He will give the Denver Broncos a deep threat who adds size and a decent frame along with some production in a Sean Payton offense.
Even with the likes of KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington already on the roster, if Denver adds more deep-threat bodies, there is a better likelihood that at least one will provide an impact. Chark also provides that frame at six foot four to make himself known as a red zone threat.
Allen Lazard
If the Denver Broncos make the deal for Courtland Sutton, they will need to decide if they want another wide receiver body in the room. This scenario hasn’t happened, but if it does Tim Patrick assumes the role of replacement for Courtland Sutton, but this free agent very well could be falling Into Patrick’s role if he signs. That’s Allen Lazard from the Green Bay Packers.
Lazard originally came into the league as a big-body wide receiver who some teams thought would be a tight end. His career has shaped out like Patrick’s so far. Patrick and Lazard have been doubted they are contributors in the NFL. In fact, others have doubted who they are as route runners. Lazard has become a productive number-two wideout in the NFL and it makes sense for Denver to consider a player like Lazard if he’s available.
In this situation, Denver already has Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. Even though Lazard is a solid number two wideout, he would provide stability in a room with both top-three receivers. It also gives the Denver Broncos red zone weapons once again with Lazard.
Again, this scenario simply is if Courtland Sutton is dealt. The possibility he will be traded remains uncertain. Yet, the team must find a way to manage how to accumulate draft capital if they can in the NFL Draft.