With the offseason formally right here, our focus the subsequent few months might be protecting how the Denver Broncos can get and can get higher over the course of free company and the 2025 NFL Draft. One space I think the Broncos could pursue an addition is at vast receiver.
And wouldn’t you already know it? Only a day later, Samuel named the Broncos as a crew to be careful for and believes they could possibly be particular. In accordance to NFL Community insider Ian Rapoport, with this being a player-driven commerce thought and Denver having Bo Nix at quarterback, the potential for Denver being a real touchdown spot for Samuel does make sense.
Generally little ripples like this will become waves. It stays to be seen if the Broncos have curiosity in buying the 29-year-old veteran vast receiver, however I’m certain talks will warmth up as soon as groups assemble in Indianapolis for this 12 months’s NFL Mix. That’s nonetheless a number of weeks aways, however it by no means hurts to verify the heartbeat on how Broncos Nation would really feel about such a transfer.
Earlier within the week, SB Nation’s Reacts requested Broncos’ followers whether or not or not they’d be in favor of buying Samuel. Solely 40-percent mentioned sure. I’ll add a ballot to this submit and see if the outcomes are any completely different. Let’s check out the explanation why the Broncos ought to and shouldn’t pursue Samuel.
Recapping Deebo Samuel’s profession with the 49ers
A second-round choice for the 49ers in 2019, Samuel’s breakout season was in 2021. For his efforts, he earned first-team All-Professional and Professional Bowl honors after posting 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and 6 touchdowns. He additionally added 59 rushes for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.
Since then, Samuel’s manufacturing on offense has steadily declined. Although in 2023 and 2024 he did amass over 1,000 all-purpose yards. Although this previous season, he solely made that mark by accruing 533 kick return yards and averaged over 31 yards on them. His receiving and dashing numbers had been far lower than ‘21.
In six seasons with the 49ers, Samuel performed in 81 video games with 73 begins. He has reeled in 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns. On high of that, he has rushed the ball 202 occasions for 1,142 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The case for the Broncos buying Samuel through commerce
One of many major causes Denver ought to kick the tires on a possible commerce for Samuel is price. All components thought-about, a Day 3 choice and choose swap possible would get the job carried out. That’s not a lot to surrender for a very good playmaker regardless that he hasn’t been as productive as his peak 12 months in 2021.
With that in thoughts, Broncos Nation must ask themselves this. Do you’re feeling assured within the Broncos’ capability to draft a participant on Day 3 that might have as a lot of a possible affect as Samuel of their offense subsequent season? It’s definitely attainable, however I wouldn’t guess the farm on it.
An enormous element lacking from the Broncos’ offense over the previous few seasons has been a large receiver who’s dynamic after the catch. Regardless of decreased manufacturing, Samuel nonetheless ranks as one of the vital productive receivers after the catch within the NFL. He was nonetheless High 10 within the NFL this season in that regard. That will be a boon for the Broncos’ offense that wants a spark and a playmaker who will help in that regard.
The case towards the Broncos buying Samuel through commerce
A reworked deal could be a perquisite from Samuel and his agent for any potential commerce suitors. The Broncos at present sit at round $35 million in cap area for the 2025 season. A majority of Samuel’s cap hit is within the type of an choice bonus. He would solely rely for $4.25 million towards the cap in ‘25, but if an extension doesn’t occur, Denver would incur over $12 million in useless cash for 2026.
Outdoors of Courtland Sutton’s 2025 wage cap allocation, the Broncos don’t have any giant contract on the vast receiver place. So, they’ll definitely make the financials work. However there seems to be a rising feeling throughout the league that the 49ers will designate him as a post-June 1st lower as a substitute as a result of that’s extra useful to their cap siutation.
Moreover, sturdiness issues additionally exist with nagging hamstring and ankle accidents inflicting him to overlook time over the previous a number of seasons. He doesn’t seem like as explosive as he was earlier on in his profession.
On high of that, over the past quarter of the season, Marvin Mims Jr. turned a fixture in Denver’s offense and was utilized in a number of methods and on ideas Samuel is thought to do. Due to this fact, there could be some overlap in skillset. Nonetheless, I’d argue that Samuel remains to be higher after the catch and at breaking tackles in comparison with Mims.
Last ideas on the Broncos buying Samuel
That is actually a coin-flip state of affairs. The Broncos have ample cap area to make a deal work each brief and long-term. It’s simply whether or not or not the entrance workplace believes Samuel can be a game-changer for the offense and value a multi-year funding. May Head Coach Sean Payton craft an outlined position for him? Or would he want to proceed and develop a number of the youthful expertise at receiver on the roster?
I’ve no challenge with the Broncos buying and selling for Samuel for a Day 3 choose. The extra offensive firepower the higher. The crew has three sixth-round choices to work with that could possibly be interesting to the 49ers in a commerce. Nonetheless, they would wish to come back to an settlement on an extension for the cap causes talked about above.
Ballot
Ought to the Denver Broncos commerce for Deebo Samuel?