Why the Broncos Should Consider Signing Deebo Samuel Sr.
If the Denver Broncos want to make an under-the-radar move that could significantly upgrade their offense, then they should explore adding veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to the mix.
While the Broncos have made strides building around young quarterback Bo Nix, adding another versatile playmaker could help take Denver’s offense to another level. Samuel, currently an unrestricted free agent, may no longer be coming off the peak of his career, but he remains a dynamic weapon capable of impacting games both through the air and on the ground.
That kind of versatility could make him a valuable addition to the Broncos’ offense.
A Proven Playmaker with Unique Versatility
Samuel’s most dominant season came in 2021 with the San Francisco 49ers, when he produced one of the most unique offensive campaigns in recent NFL history.
That year, Samuel racked up 1,770 yards from scrimmage – including 1,405 receiving and 365 rushing – while scoring 14 total touchdowns. His remarkable 18.2 yards per catch helped him earn both Pro Bowl honors and First-Team All-Pro recognition.
While that season ultimately proved to be something of an outlier, Samuel has remained a productive offensive weapon in the years since.
In 2023, he totaled 1,117 yards from scrimmage during the regular season. Samuel also delivered in the postseason, catching eight passes for a team-high 89 yards in the 2023 NFC Championship Game as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense remained a key component of San Francisco’s success that season.
More recently, Samuel spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, where he continued to demonstrate his value as a versatile offensive contributor.
Samuel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns while adding 75 rushing yards and another score on 17 carries. Although his rushing workload was more limited, he still averaged an efficient 4.4 yards per carry.
He also frequently stepped into a larger role in the Commanders’ passing attack when star wideout Terry McLaurin missed seven games due to injuries, often serving as Washington’s primary receiving option.
Samuel delivered several strong performances throughout the 2025 campaign. In Week 1 against the New York Giants, he caught seven passes for 77 yards and added a 19-yard rushing touchdown in a 21-6 victory. Samuel followed that up with another productive outing in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, recording six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.
He continued that momentum the following week against the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown in a 27-10 win. Samuel also had a solid outing in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins, catching seven passes for 74 yards and a score. Those performances demonstrated Samuel’s ability to remain a reliable playmaker when called upon to shoulder a larger role in the Washington Commanders offense.
Why Samuel Could Fit in Denver
For the Broncos, Samuel’s skill set could add an entirely new dimension to the offense.
Samuel’s ability to create yards after the catch is another reason he could be an excellent fit in Denver’s offensive system. Throughout his career, Samuel has consistently ranked among the NFL’s most dangerous receivers once the ball is in his hands. During the 2023 season with the 49ers, he recorded 527 yards after the catch while averaging 8.8 yards after the catch per reception – one of the highest marks among wide receivers that season.
He continued to show that same ability in 2025 with Washington, finishing the season with 466 yards after the catch, which ranked seventh among NFL wide receivers. That type of production highlights what has made Samuel such a unique offensive weapon. Whether on quick slants, screens, or crossing routes, he has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to turn short completions into explosive gains.
Those traits could pair well with Nix, who has shown a willingness to get the ball out quickly and take advantage of favorable matchups in the short and intermediate passing game. Samuel’s run-after-catch ability would give the Broncos another weapon capable of turning simple completions into significant yardage.
At the same time, Samuel’s experience as a ball carrier could help provide additional support to Denver’s rushing attack.
The Broncos have leaned heavily on Nix’s mobility in certain short-yardage situations, including quarterback sneaks and designed runs near the goal line. While Nix has proven capable in those scenarios, relying too heavily on a quarterback as a runner always carries a degree of risk.
Adding Samuel could provide a valuable alternative.
Whether on jet sweeps, backfield handoffs, or short-yardage packages, Samuel’s rushing ability would give the Broncos another option in situations where Nix might otherwise be asked to take on contact.
Durability Adds to His Appeal
Another factor working in Samuel’s favor is his recent durability.
Over the past three seasons, he has missed just five games – a notable improvement after dealing with several injuries earlier in his career. That level of availability would make him a dependable option for a Denver offense looking to add consistent production alongside its existing playmakers.
The Bottom Line
Samuel may no longer be the All-Pro force he was during his breakout 2021 season, but he remains a highly capable offensive weapon – one the Broncos could use immediately.
As a rock-solid WR2 who can step into a WR1 role when needed, Samuel would give Denver valuable flexibility in its passing attack. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and a runner would also provide offensive coordinator Davis Webb with creative options to keep defenses off balance.
For a Broncos team continuing to build around a young superstar quarterback on a rookie contract, adding a proven playmaker like Samuel could be a move worth making.
