The Hunt for Versatility: Can Sean Payton Cultivate His 'Joker' in Denver's Offense?

Englewood, Colo. — As the excitement of the NFL offseason brews, Denver Broncos' head coach Sean Payton has made it abundantly clear: the search for a dynamic 'joker' player is a top priority. Often referred to as a multi-faceted threat, this hybrid skill position player excels as both a runner and a receiver, presenting a versatile challenge to defenses and creating mismatches across the field.

In his two seasons with the Broncos, Payton has noted the absence of such a talent — a stark contrast to his illustrious tenure in New Orleans, where he crafted high-octane offenses featuring game-changing players.

"I know how much it can help... I didn't really appreciate it at the time," Payton reflected, drawing from his experience coaching standout talents like tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Jason Witten in the early years of his career. These 'jokers' proved integral to his offenses, providing flexibility and impact in critical moments.

Throughout his time with the Saints, Payton utilized talented players such as tight ends Shockey and Jimmy Graham, alongside running backs like Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara, who could all stretch the field and create big plays. His current Broncos roster, however, has struggled in key areas, particularly third-down conversions, ranking 13th in the league and averaging just 16.9 points against playoff teams.

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has echoed the need for an offensive spark: "We definitely have to score more than seven points in these tough games. It all comes down to execution and scoring more points."

Although the Broncos experimented with utilizing running backs in the passing game, the results were underwhelming, with limited production from tight ends and a lack of significant touchdown contributions. Payton noted, "In our league... you'll always remember [Travis] Kelce with the Chiefs, not always the receivers. I do think we have some candidates [to be a joker]."

Currently, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. stands out as a potential fit for this role. His performance as an All-Pro returner and growing impact as a receiver showcases his explosive capabilities, but his smaller stature raises questions about his ability to dominate like previous 'jokers.'

This dilemma could push the Broncos into the 2025 NFL Draft, where they may find an ideal candidate to fill this crucial offensive position. Prospects like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland could bolster the tight end ranks, or they might seek running backs with extraordinary receiving skills, such as Kansas’ Devin Neal or Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo.

Payton's keen eye for versatility and explosive talent will be vital as he shapes the 2025 offseason strategy. The Broncos are ready to rebuild and add that missing element to elevate their offensive game.