Don’t count out Lil’Jordan Humphrey. He’s the veteran player that Sean Payton can rely on when the receiver roster gets light to be able to step in and reliably execute plays.
Humphrey was drafted by the Saints and spent three years with them to kick off his NFL career. He spent a year with the Patriots before joining the Broncos in 2023. He was released by the Broncos last year late in August, spent a few games with the Giants before joining the Orange and Blue to finish their season.
Humphrey is
signed to a one-year deal for 2026.
Player Profile
Lil’Jordan Humphrey | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos
- Height: 6′ 4″
- Weight: 225 pounds
- Age: 28 years old
- Experience: 7th season
- College: Texas
- 2025 stats: 13 receptions, 156 yards, 1 TD
- Contract
2026 outlook with the Broncos
Humphrey is the kind of veteran that a coach like Sean Payton loves. He knows the playbook. He can run the routes. He has upside in being a blocker. He’s a guy that can win as the 4th option on a progression.
The only question with his spot on this roster is whether or not the team finds a younger player with more upside who can cross that very low bar of what he brings to the team. Don’t get me wrong here, I like what he’s done for us as a reliable receiver. He’s just not a guy that is going to be able to take the top off a defense, juke a defender out of their shoes, or be a reliable jump-ball guy. He’s made a career out of being a solid, but average NFL wide receiver. At some point, the numbers game is going to catch up.
Final Word
I just don’t know how Humphrey sticks this season. There are 3 starting-talent receivers in Courtland Sutton, Jalen Waddle, and Pat Bryant. There are 2 chess pieces in Marvin Mims, Jr. and Troy Franklin. There are 4 rookies in the pipeline for this team (Cameron Ross, Joseph Manjack, Dane Key, and Kolbe Katsis).
Even if we don’t see a rookie stand out this training camp (all 4 were undrafted after all), the Broncos are stacked with experienced veterans who can play in the NFL. Unless a trade happens, I don’t see them letting a Mims or Franklin go to keep a guy like Humphrey on the team.
I think his upside this season is as an insurance policy for WR injuries, similarly to what happened last season.
