Broncos Get Additional Push to Sign Deebo Samuel in Free Agency

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has remained steadfast in his approach to the offseason and, specifically, in free agency. But in a returning trend, the Broncos continue to see speculative connections to veteran Deebo Samuel.

Samuel remains a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders.

However, the former San Francisco 49ers star profiles as a strong fit in Denver.

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Broncos Get More Motivation to Sign Deebo Samuel

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell added to the Samuel-Broncos narrative that has re-emerged during free agency this offseason, following rumored trade interest in the past. Barnwell called Samuel a “dream fit” in the Broncos’ offense under head coach Sean Payton.

“Bo Nix wants to get the ball out quickly when he has a numbers advantage or throw the ball on digs and deep crossers off play-action,” Barnwell wrote on March 13. “Samuel would be a rugged addition who offers more physicality than just about anybody in that mix. He could also be a useful runner for coach Sean Payton as a changeup in short yardage or near the goal line, where Nix is often used on sneaks and designed runs.”

Barnwell noted the Broncos have a “crowded” group at wideout.

However, while Courtland Sutton is secure as the Broncos’ WR1, the group behind him has offered little more than supplementary contributions so far.

The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider noted that the Broncos’ lack of activity in free agency–they are the only team that has yet to sign an outside player–looms large amid questions about Nix’s assortment of pass-catchers.

He considered it the Broncos’ “top need.”

“They have brought back every offensive player who had a touch last season and re-signed both of their primary starters at linebacker last season,” Kosmider wrote on March 14. “The Broncos … clearly like their roster and are leaning hard into a draft-and-develop strategy that has helped them dig out of a stretch of seven straight losing seasons that preceded the drafting of quarterback Bo Nix in 2024. Still, the Broncos could use another playmaker.

“Another weapon at wide receiver or tight end could help round out an offense seeking more reinforcements in the draft.”

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Deebo Samuel vs the Field

Barnwell did not mince words about “wear and tear” being the reason Samuel is still available, which could also explain the Broncos’ lack of pursuit (at least publicly) to this point. At 30 years old and entering Year 8, those concerns are not going away for Samuel.

He is “perpetually either the best or among the best yards-after-catch creators,” per Barnwell.

Barnwell noted that Samuel is often banged up. That has limited his availability even when active. He also called the wideout’s First Team All-Pro season in 2021 a “clear outlier.”

“He has never topped 900 receiving yards in any other pro campaign, and he has topped six touchdowns from scrimmage just once across his six other pro seasons, when he scored 12 times for the 49ers in 2023,” Barnwell wrote.

“The 30-year-old has issues with fumbles and drops, but he’s still a valuable playmaker.”

Barnwell added the qualifier of Samuel thriving “in the right offensive scheme.” It is fair to wonder if the Broncos feel the same at this stage of the offseason and his career.

Denver still has options. Kosmider listed Samuel’s former 49ers teammate and fellow wideout Jauan Jennings and Cleveland Browns free agent tight end David Njoku “among the names that could be interesting for the Broncos.”

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter