Denver

Broncos

“I feel like I’m ready to go,” Williams said. Although it is good news, “the plan” and “I feel like” aren’t exactly definitive statements. Williams got more into the gray area with a follow-up statement. “It’s just all about the evaluation, how the Broncos feel about it,’' Williams said. “Just seeing how I feel, moving, just trying to get my speed back to normal, things like that.” Even if Williams actually is close to 100 percent, it is difficult to believe the Broncos won’t take it slow and have him begin camp on the PUP list. If he avoids the PUP, it would mean he passed his physical and conditioning tests and is ready to rock. Even if Williams does land on the PUP list, he can be activated at any time up until final cuts. If he isn’t activated at final cuts, he would have to miss the first four games of the season.

2019, of course, was Thomas’ 149-catch campaign. "(I’m) just diving into it (to) be able to see how he may have run a route that we are learning right now,” Sutton said. “Figuring out ways to get open.” The least discussed member of the Broncos’ top four wideouts this offseason even though he is probably still the No. 2, Sutton has drawn zero hype, though several have noted his size similarity to Thomas. That is about where the obvious similarities stop, but it’s obviously interesting new coach Sean Payton has the comp on his brain. We aren’t going to sit here and tell you we are bullish on Sutton as he fights for targets with Jerry Jeudy, second-rounder Marvin Mims and Tim Patrick, but his WR48 ADP is a bargain opportunity.

Palmer noted that Patrick’s return from a torn ACL may be the biggest boost for Russell Wilson in his second season as a Bronco. Patrick went down with the season-ending knee injury at the beginning of training camp last year but was cleared in April and was a full participant in minicamp. Though Patrick doesn’t have the pedigree of his fellow Denver receivers, he was quietly a productive member of the offense in 2020 and 2021. He topped 50 receptions and 700 yards in both seasons. He will be competing with Marvin Mims for WR3 duties during training camp.

Looking to bounce back from a torn ACL before the 2022 season, Patrick is back and looking to contribute this season. He’s slated to be ready for the team’s opener against the Raiders. His presence will bring a big boost to the Broncos’ offense as he’s seen as the team’s best blocker at receiver. Prior to his injury, Patrick put together consecutive seasons of at least 50 receptions, 730 yards and five touchdowns. Look for him to be Russell Wilson’s safety net as the two have been building chemistry this off-season.

It may not sound like much, but Payton’s optimism feels like a good sign for Williams as training camp approaches. While little has been said about when Williams could see a full return to the field, the Broncos have done little to insulate themselves from him missing any extended period of time this season. The team has distanced itself from the rumors of signing a veteran like Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette and made Samaje Perine their only notable running back addition of the offseason. While any delay in Williams’ recovery could spur the signing of a veteran back, the Broncos seem prepared to move forward with their current backfield heading into training camp.

Cook’s release is expected to be made official on Friday. The Vikings save nearly $9 million in cap space with the release of Cook (27), who is expected to have a strong free agent market. The Dolphins and Broncos have been closely linked to Cook over the last several months, which include rumors of the Dolphins trying to trade for Cook ahead of the NFL Draft. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team could attempt to trade Cook once more before Friday, but it sounds like the veteran back is officially on his way out of Minnesota after six seasons. Injuries have plagued Cook throughout much of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from ripping off four-straight 1,000-yard seasons and 43 rushing touchdowns over that span. He should have several suitors on the open market, including the Dolphins and Broncos.

He’s a veteran tryout player. Denver does not have much behind Javonte Williams (knee) and Samaje Perine at the position as far as established play. Snell fell out of favor with the Steelers last year as Jaylen Warren became the No. 2 back. Snell averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 275 career totes with the Steelers.

The Broncos have $6 million in cap space after signing DE Frank Clark. That would put Denver near their cap limit to sign Cook, who may be targeting a salary higher than Denver can offer . The Broncos expect to have third-year RB Javonte Williams (ACL) back in the first few weeks of the season and have a role planned for Samaje Perine, the Week 1 starter if Williams isn’t ready. Signing veteran depth that won’t block Williams may be more likely than Denver signing Cook.

The Broncos’ hope is to get Browning back at some point during the preseason. That would be a best case scenario after Browning underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus this month. A more likely timetable would put Browning in a race to get cleared for Week 1. Denver can move Browning slowly after they signed ex-Chiefs DE Frank Clark.

The sudden uncertainty around Browning does help explain the Frank Clark signing a bit more. Browning, who had five sacks last year in a more EDGE-centric role, will be a training camp injury to monitor.