The Denver Broncos' offense will definitely look a lot different on the offensive side of the ball as while the quarterback room is the talk of the football world, the wide receiver unit has also changed drastically. Besides the trade of Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos have signed former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds to a two-year deal worth $14 million as he spoke about why he chose to play in Mile High than where he was before and other teams.
Reynolds served as the No. 2 receiver for the Lions last season behind star Amon-Ra St. Brown where he caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Instead of going back to a team that made an NFC Championship game, he chose the Broncos as he has “always admired Sean Payton” according to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette.
“I think the main decision (in signing with Denver) was that I’ve always admired Sean Payton from afar,’’ Reynolds said. “I was excited to see what that offense looked like…Whatever Coach Payton has me doing, I’m all for it, man, I’m here to help this team win.”
“Business,’’ Reynolds said of not returning to the Lions. “It’s a business, but you know, I think I’m at where I’m supposed to be at, and I’m excited.”
Reynolds on the adjustments he's making with the Broncos
While he has been in the league for several years, the 29-year old talks about the major adjustments he is trying to make now being with the Broncos. He would say that it is “trying to figure out the plays” that Payton is running on the offensive side of the ball and even the “altitude” that comes with being in Denver.
“I think trying to figure out the plays,’’ Reynolds said. “But at this point, I’ve been at a couple of teams, so a lot of it kind of carries over. Then I would say, the altitude. It’s been a little tough.”
The traits Sean Payton feels Reynolds brings to the table
The Broncos head coach spoke about Reynolds Thursday after the team's third practice of organized team activities or the abbreviated OTAs. He would list off the traits of the Texas A&M product that make him a dangerous threat to any opposing defense.
“He's long,” Payton said. “He has strong hands. Another veteran receiver. I like that group, and if you study it closely, it's big across the board, and it has speed. So there's going to be heavy competition there, heavy competition at running back. The same in the back end with the secondary. I think there's that old saying, ‘Iron sharpens iron,' and I feel like that's going to happen.”
Others in the wide receiver room include Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Tim Patrick, and others that round out a solid lineup of threats. Reynolds acknowledged that it is a “young” unit where he can possibly bring in some veteran leadership needed to make the team even better according to the team's website.
“I've seen a lot of football, been around a lot of football, and we've got a young receiver room,” Reynolds said Thursday. “To be able to kind of bring that, I think it can help a little bit.”
Reynolds inserted into a crowded Denver quarterback room
If there is one aspect Reynolds also has to get used to, it's building a rapport with all the signal-callers in the quarterback room as there is not a definite starter. After the Broncos parted ways with Russell Wilson, they have made several acquisitions like trading for former first-round pick of the New York Jets Zach Wilson and drafting Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. Plus, they still have Jarrett Stidham who has some familiarity with the system since he's been with the Broncos under Payton.
“They're balling right now,” Reynolds said about the Broncos' quarterbacks via Sports Illustrated. “I know they're still learning; it's only been two-three weeks. They're young right now, but they're showing real good stuff.”
Reynolds gets the sign of approval from a notable former player
Reynolds has played in the NFL for seven seasons where he was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 as a fourth round pick. After playing there for four seasons, he then played for the Tennessee Titans for five games until he was traded to the Lions where overall, he had 97 catches for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns.
One former player who spoke highly of Reynolds was legendary receiver for the Lions in Herman Moore who spoke to The Denver Gazette after he signed with the Broncos of what type of player they would be getting and it was nothing but great praise.
“They’re going to be amazed at the player,’’ Moore said. “He was really (the Lions’) big-play guy.”
In any sense, the Broncos are hoping Reynolds could be a part of a great upcoming season after they are trying to improve after a disappointing year where they had a 8-9 record, finishing third in the AFC West. They will start next season on the road against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8.
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