Mile High Report
Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey is a pending free agent. Should the Broncos try to re-sign him ahead of the start of the league year?
Sometimes the unheralded guys get the least amount of interest when their contracts run out. Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey probably fits that mold. His role on the team was primarily blocking and few fans are going to notice him standing out in that regard. What they’ll remember is the costly drop or fumble that came his way at times last season.
Age: 26 | Experience: 7th | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 225 pounds
Humphrey played 50% of the snaps on offense this season. That is someone who would be considered a significant role player.
He also finished the season with 31 receptions for 293 yards and a touchdown. However, he also had two costly fumbles.
To put it simply, Sean Payton loves his blocking ability. He felt it was superior enough compared to other players that he garnered 50% of the offensive snaps last season. He’ll also likely end up not being an expensive player to re-sign.
I actually think Denver should re-sign him. It doesn’t mean they’ll have to commit to him through the final roster cut down either, but his presence will be insurance in case the rest of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft doesn’t quite go as planned at the wide receiver position.
I’d be perfectly fine with Humphrey carving out the role he has had in the run game, with the occasional opportunity in the passing game.
He’s just a guy out there to be honest. You could probably find other blocking wide receivers out there and, frankly, you’ll need to find a guy who can be competent in the run game and excels in the pass game. Having a run-only type guy can be a dead giveaway for the defense at times.
Ideally, the Broncos find legit starting wide receivers who can also block when asked. I think back to Rod Smith and Eddie McCaffrey in that regard. They were threats on the field in the passing game, but also had now qualms about getting into the trenches blocking for Terrell Davis.
The only question is whether or not those players are found in this offseason or later.
