Matt

Willis

Willis was originally signed as an undrafted free agent. At a salary of $1.26 million, though, the Broncos shouldn’t have to worry about utilizing their right of first refusal. Willis caught just 18 passes for 267 yards in 2011.

Willis, who turned 28 a few days ago, set career highs in receptions (18) and yards (267) last season, but is setup for a diminished role in Denver this season. To make the club, he’ll have to carve out a role on special teams behind Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Andre Caldwell, and Brandon Stokley.

With just 12 catches on the season coming into this afternoon, Willis was targeted eight times with Eddie Royal sidelined with a concussion. Even if Royal misses another game in Week 15, Willis will remain well off the radar in all formats.

Caldwell ripped off his helmet in pain after taking a shot to the kidney from Seahawks safety Chris Maragos. Caldwell was expected to push for the third receiver job, but he’s clearly behind Brandon Stokley, who led the first-team offense with 41 yards on three catches. Caldwell does, however, seem to have taken over as the primary kickoff returner with Matthew Willis on punts.

Andre Caldwell and Brandon Stokley are competing for the third receiver role behind Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. Willis will have to hold off Gerell Robinson and former Arena Football League star Greg Orton for the final spot.

Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royal, and Matt Willis will vie for snaps behind Decker, who projects as the primary beneficiary of Monday’s trade. While a shaky passing game and run-first offense are negative factors on the surface, Decker was already averaging nine targets per start in a bottom-six passing offense that ranked 25th in pass attempts per game. Decker is going to be an every-week WR3 going forward. The Broncos face the Dolphins in Week 7.

A reserve wideout and special teamer, Willis caught 10 passes for 90 yards last season. He played 200 snaps. Although Detroit has far less receiver depth than Denver, Willis should have the same role in 2013. He’s not on the fantasy radar.

Willis has caught just 28 balls over the last two seasons for the Broncos, but has chipped in as a solid special teamer. He likely got a look in New England because of the Josh McDaniels connection.

Willis can play special teams and had a solid preseason as a receiver, but he’s 29 years old and couldn’t bypass Pat Edwards or Ryan Broyles behind Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. Willis will probably sign elsewhere in-season.

The former Bronco caught three passes for 51 yards in Friday’s preseason opener. Were Willis to make the team, it would be as a special teamer/final receiver. He’s not going to come into any fantasy value.