Wide receiver is a position of need for the Denver Broncos this offseason, and that’s something head coach Sean Payton has highlighted this offseason along with other positions. While there has been speculation about potentially trading for receivers like Cooper Kupp or Deebo Samuel, there are veteran options on the market that might make more sense for Denver this offseason.

Two veteran receivers the Denver Broncos could look at in NFL Free Agency

Trading for a receiver like Deebo Samuel or Cooper Kupp would definitely give the Broncos offense a boost next season, but the financial cost of acquiring either of those two would be more spendy than looking at bringing in another veteran to pair opposite of Courtland Sutton in 2025.

Another thing to consider is that Sutton is also due for a contract extension, either with the Broncos this year or signing with another team next year if he hits free agency. The idea of bringing in another veteran receiver isn’t something that would interfere with the development or snap count of players like Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, or Devaughn Vele.

ICYMI: Three Broncos who should return in NFL Free Agency

Adding another veteran security blanket option could increase their opportunities in 2025. Here’s a look at three potential cost-effective options in free agency.

Think of it from this standpoint, one of these three players would replace Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s role inside the offense instead of impacting the roles of Franklin, Vele, or Mims.

Could Keenan Allen be a solid veteran addition to Broncos WR room?

Keenan Allen is entering his 13th season in the NFL in 2025 and will test free agency after spending this past season with the Chicago Bears. Allen was once considered one of the NFL’s best route runners, but injuries have been a negative mark against him over the course of the last handful of seasons.

Estimated Market Value Per Spotrac: 2-year, $22.1M with an average annual value of $11.09M.

After spending years in the AFC West, the Los Angeles Chargers traded him last offseason to the Bears to pair him up with rookie QB Caleb Williams. In 2024, Allen appeared and started in 15 games for the Bears offense and hauled in 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

This route by Keenan Allen 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/aDjuxEwv9g

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) February 21, 2025

Williams had a 95.2 passer rating when targeting Allen last season and adding him into the mix with Bo Nix would elevate the Broncos wide receiver room. What Denver needs the most is another veteran option who can be a reliable outlet option to move the chains on third down or come up with key possessions.

Allen can still run routes at an effective rate and would complement Sutton’s size while allowing Mims speed and elusiveness to thrive in the offense. Franklin is the Broncos best separation creator, and his role is expected to expand quite a bit in 2025, while Vele’s big body type would allow him to thrive across the middle of the field or down the sideline.

A room of Sutton, Allen, Mims, Franklin, and Vele would be pretty strong on paper, and if Payton somehow adds value at the tight end and running back position, the Broncos offense will be even better in 2025.

Mike Williams still has plenty in the tank

Oddly enough this piece has two former AFC West rivals under consideration. Mike Williams could be a strong addition to the Broncos wide receiver room, if added.

Mike Williams lore is making a catch like this and then not getting targeted the rest of the game pic.twitter.com/jn80EJUzl7

— Max Loeb (@loebsleads) January 5, 2025

He made several tough catches against the Broncos in Denver’s Week 4 win against the New York Jets, while Williams was still on a pitch count after coming off of a major injury. After being wrongly thrown under the bus by Aaron Rodgers, Williams landed in Pittsburgh where he had several big time catches with Russell Wilson as the Steelers quarterback.

Estimated Market Value Per Spotrac: 1-year, $4.49M deal.

His 6’4 size is something that aligns very well with what Payton looks for in his receivers. He’s athletic and strong on the perimeter, which will help in the run-blocking department, and he’s cost-effective and adds receiving value to Nix and Denver’s offense.

Williams finished the 2024 season with 21 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown in 18 total games last year. He played in nine games with the Jets, where he played 53% of their offensive snaps, and nine games with the Steelers, where he played 29% of the offensive snaps and started in five total games between both teams.

Compared to Allen, Williams might be the most ideal fit for the Broncos offense and how Payton plans to use all of the receivers he has.

Payton and general manager George Paton will speak next week at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, February 25th, at 12:15 p.m. MT and 12:30 p.m. MT where they might share some insight into what they are looking for in free agency.