Why ESPN Thinks the Broncos Would Make the Move
Barnwell’s reasoning centers on fit.
Brown, 28, is coming off what many viewed as a down season, finishing with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.
But even that production ranked among the league’s better outputs.
He finished sixth in ESPN’s receiver score metric and 12th in yards per route run despite tension-filled moments in Philadelphia, including sideline frustration with head coach Nick Sirianni during the playoffs.
Barnwell argued Brown would be “the wideout of Bo Nix’s and Sean Payton’s dreams.”
For Nix, Brown’s size and ability to win contested catches would give him a reliable target when coverage is tight.
For head coach Sean Payton, it’s a familiar blueprint.
Payton built elite offenses around bigger-bodied receivers like Marques Colston and Michael Thomas in New Orleans.
Brown could immediately step into that alpha role in Denver while sliding Courtland Sutton into a strong No. 2 spot.
The Broncos were one game away from the Super Bowl before Nix’s injury derailed their AFC Championship hopes.
Adding a true WR1 might be the final piece.