Beat: Pat Bryant ‘in line’ for bigger slice of pie

They certainly have the talent for this, and doing so would at least keep both Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant fantasy-adjacent despite the fact that Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton figure to play the vast majority of the snaps. Gabriel guesses that early in the season the Broncos will “mix up looks” depending on game situations with Franklin, Bryant, and Marvin Mims. The Broncos played 11-personnel in 64 percent of their snaps in 2025. They’d probably need to be closer to 80 percent to get a third WR beyond the WR5 conversation.

Evans compares Mims to Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed, who recently signed a three-year deal averaging more than $17 million per year. Shaheed is a more accomplished wide receiver, but both players are decorated special teams returners. Per Evans, one agent who works with several NFL wide receivers believes Mims could earn $11 to $13 million annually as things currently stand. Should he contribute more offensively, those numbers could go up. Earlier this week, Mims publicly acknowledged that this may be his last year in Denver. Evans writes that Broncos coach Sean Payton wants to give Mims more offensive opportunities, but the offensive staff “has not always trusted Mims to run a full route tree.” If Payton really wanted to further incorporate Mims into the offense, we can’t understand why that hasn’t already happened, though. Mims should only be viewed as a late-round dart throw in best ball right now.

“Sometimes I am a little irritated with my situation,” Mims added. “But at the end of the day, I’m blessed to be where I am.” The Jaylen Waddle trade has effectively blocked Mims from much chance of offensive snaps as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. At the same time, he’s such an explosive punt returner that the Broncos probably still see him as a roster lock. It’s not fully over for those of you hanging on in dynasty leagues, but it certainly doesn’t look promising in the short-term for Mims to put up any offensive volume.

Bryant was asked about the two concussions and two hamstring strains he suffered last year. He responded by saying he is focused on “becoming bulletproof so I don’t have to deal with any of those things anymore,” and later clarified that meant he has been “putting on a few pounds of weight.” We will leave the medical analysis to the professionals. Bryant was listed at 6'2/204 last year and worked his way into two-wide receiver sets by the end of the year. The Broncos’ front office acquired former Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle via trade this offseason, dropping Bryant out of the No. 2 spot behind WR Courtland Sutton. Perhaps Bryant’s weight gain helps him as a run blocker and gives him a chance to retain at least a minor role in two-wide receiver sets.

He does concede that teams in need of wide receiver help could call between now and the NFL Draft. Between Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims, Mims is by far the least-accomplished player and would presumably (our interpretation) be the most available. The Broncos were hampered by injuries to their wideouts down the stretch, and that was what enabled Mims to get major run in the playoffs. It wouldn’t be surprising if a wideout-needy team like the Jets were in touch with the Broncos.

Mims made a guest appearance on Altitude TV, a regional sports network, and was asked for his thoughts on the Broncos’ recent trade for Waddle. Mims celebrated Waddle’s explosive play-making ability, but admitted that he was “really surprised” to learn of the deal. Although Waddle is far more accomplished, the two players share similar, shifty playing styles and excel after the catch. Mims closed the segment by saying that he has taken pride in being able to “play running back, be a returner, be a receiver” and is happy to affect the game however possible. Mims, 24, has flashed intriguing traits throughout his three-year career, though he has not yet broken out as a reliable starter. With Waddle in town, Mims will likely remain stuck in a versatile, albeit fantasy-unfriendly, backup role.

A hamstring injury suffered in the first quarter forced Bryant to the sidelines in Sunday’s game. He was unable to return to the field and now sees a promising rookie season come to an end. The 2025 third-rounder ended this season ranked third among Broncos receivers in routes run (309), and finished the year with a 31-378-1 line on 47 targets. Bryant came on strong later in the season, with 31 of his targets coming in his last five regular season games. Bryant will compete with Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims for snaps next season, but could have the inside edge to the team’s WR2 spot with a strong offseason.

Mims hauled in a 52-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham in the first quarter that helped set up a six-yard touchdown catch by Courtland Sutton two plays later. Despite the big play, it was another forgettable season for Mims overall, who continues to see light work in his third season in the league under Sean Payton. Despite showing flashes when the opportunity arises, Mims’ 276 routes run on the season, per PFF, were the fourth-most of any Broncos receiver this season, as were his 51 targets. Troy Franklin took hold of the No. 2 receiver spot in Denver early, and Patrick Bryant blocked Mims from the field late. A reliable option both on offense and special teams, Mims seems unlikely to offer much fantasy upside to his managers in 2026 after managing just 37-322-1 this season.

Bryant suffered a hamstring injury on the Broncos’ opening drive. After attempting to play through it, the rookie receiver is now on the sideline and is questionable to return. Bryant caught one pass for two yards before his injury.

Franklin was limited in practice all week and questionable after injuring his hamstring in last week’s Divisional Round win over the Bills. The second-year receiver hasn’t seen many targets when active as of late, and the return of Pat Bryant gives the Broncos another weapon in the passing game. In addition to Franklin the Broncos also declared S JL Skinner, LB Karene Reid, C Alex Forsyth, WR Michael Bandy, DL Jordan Jackson, and DE Sai’vion Jones inactive for Sunday’s game.