The Denver Broncos were listed as a potential landing spot for San Francisco 49ers star WR Deebo Samuel upon his trade request from the Niners. CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan listed a deal that'd net San Fran a 2025 fourth-round pick and give Bo Nix a potential "joker" weapon in the Broncos offense.
"Samuel may have his eyes set on the Broncos, judging how the receiver spoke about the organization earlier this offseason. He told Bleacher Report that Denver could be a team on the rise but needs 'a couple more pieces' to take the next step. Could he be one of those pieces? The Broncos could use another pass catcher to complement Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., and Samuel would be a fascinating chess piece for Sean Payton at the 'joker' position. Given Samuel's prowess to work as a traditional receiver and his ability to line up in the backfield, Payton could have a field day with him in his offense," Sullivan wrote.
"The one aspect of this trade that could give the Broncos pause is the massive gap it would create on their draft board. If they decided to ship out their top Day 3 pick to San Francisco for Samuel, they'd pick at No. 85 overall in the third round and then not pick again until No. 189 in the sixth round, as their picks are currently laid out. If they believe Samuel is the difference-maker to continue their ascent with Bo Nix, however, it could be worth the gamble."
Samuel and Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp have both been linked to the Broncos' "joker" position.
Nix has changed the narrative in Denver from a franchise in a postseason draught to one in position to land every top name on the NFL trade block. Though Samuel doesn't turn the Broncos into a championship contender overnight, it moves the needle a great deal offensively.
As their postseason loss against the Buffalo Bills show, the defense needs a facelift for any of Nix's development to mean anything.