2 weeks Ago By Clark Dalton, Yardbarker
The Denver Broncos should avoid trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who seemingly hinted he would like to play for the club. On Sunday, Samuel told ESPN's Nick Wagoner that the San Francisco 49ers are allowing him to seek a trade. During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, the one-time Pro Bowler indicated that Denver is heading in the right direction after snapping an eight-year playoff drought in 2024.
"I can say Denver," Samuel said when asked which team could be special in 2025."[Rookie QB] Bo Nix is playing really good ball right now. Their defense is outrageous.
You got P2 [cornerback Patrick Surtain II] out there, who I would say is the best at the position right now—probably been for the past two years. "I think you just need a couple more pieces and it'll be what it need to be, and just have to get past [Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes] every year." Deebo thinks the Broncos could be something special next season pic.
twitter.com/8eO9CQ14IQ During Super Bowl week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told FanDuel's Kay Adams he must find the "joker" for his offense. The "joker" is a skill player who can line up as a runner or pass-catcher, creating mismatches.
Samuel, 29, fits that description. In 16 regular-season games in 2021, he finished with 1,770 yards (1,405 receiving and 365 rushing), the third most in the league that season, and made the Pro Bowl. However, his numbers have declined since then.
In 15 regular-season games in 2024, he had 806 yards (670 receiving and 136 rushing), the second-lowest mark of his six-year career. According to Spotrac co-founder Michael Ginnitti , Denver would absorb a one-year, $17.5M deal (non-guaranteed) if it acquired Samuel, limiting their ability to spend in free agency.
Spotrac estimates the Broncos will have $37.32M in cap room this offseason. Denver should consider targeting a "joker" in the 2025 NFL Draft instead of trading for Samuel.
Talented prospects in Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson could thrive under Payton. Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing.
In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and camping..
