Broncos Floated as Landing Spot for 6-Time Pro Bowl Playmaker

The Denver Broncos went out of their way to address several needs this offseason, hitting both sides of the ball. However, the supporting cast around Bo Nix still has question marks that Chicago Bears free agent Keenan Allen could address for the Broncos.

A six-time Pro Bowler, who began his career with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers, Allen could provide a sure-handed, short-area target for Nix on the Broncos.

USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff believes in Allen’s fit in Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s offense.

“The six-time Pro Bowl receiver still managed to post a respectable season despite the odds being stacked against him,” Brinkerhoff wrote on July 17. “He finished with 70 receptions, 744 yards and seven touchdowns, showing there is still something left in the tank. Allen would benefit from a better situation. While the Bears opted for youth, someone is bound to bring the savvy veteran on board.”

Allen, who turned 33 in April, notably shook off a slow start with the Bears. He posted a 32-412-5 line from Weeks 12 through 16 of the 2024 regular season. He had a Pro Bowl campaign with the Chargers in his final season in 2023, posting a 108-1,243-7 line.

Allen could be an option to fill a specific role for the Broncos, one that they currently lack.

Broncos QB Bo Nix Could Use Weapon Like Keenan Allen

Nix rewrote the Broncos’ record books as a rookie, doing so with one proven option, a slew of complementary pieces, and without Allen. USA Today’s Tyler Dragon questioned whether the Broncos are “ready to take a leap in Bo Nix’s second season,” which is where Allen could help.

“Nix tallied the most offensive touchdowns (34), passing touchdowns (29) and passing yards (3,775) among rookies in 2024,” Dragon wrote on July 13. “Still, the Broncos had the AFC West’s worst passing offense last year. Courtland Sutton’s 1,081 receiving yards were more than two times more than Denver’s next leading receiver. The Broncos onboarded rookies RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant and signed tight end Evan Engram.”

Sutton and Nix’s chemistry blossomed in Year 1 together, and Engram is expected to operate as a big slot option and the Broncos’ de facto WR2.

Allen could give the Broncos a more traditional slot option.

Allen and Engram both carry extensive injury histories, so having both could ease the Broncos’ need to lean on either. It would also prevent an over-reliance on some of the Broncos’ younger options, none of whom operate like Allen does.

Second-year man Devaughn Vele operated as a big slot threat last season. However, he missed the Broncos’ offseason program and could benefit from Allen’s presence.

Broncos WR Room Under Scrutiny

The Broncos invited speculation, such as with Allen, about their wide receiver corp with what little they did to improve the room. Bryant is a third-round rookie draft pick. Sutton is in the final year of his contract. Vele is 28 and entering Year 2 in the NFL.

Marvin Mims Jr. is an All-Pro and Pro Bowl return specialist whose role on offense is just as likely to remain the same because of that as it is to experience any sort of step forward in 2025.

Troy Franklin Jr. is a deep threat who was a teammate of Nix’s in college at Oregon.

The Broncos boast a wealth of options. The group also includes former New Orleans Saints prospect A.T. Perry and journeyman special teamer Trent Sherfield. Allen has said he is only returning to Chicago or LA, but the Broncos could be his best option. That is, if they want him.

Running back J.K. Dobbins will also be a threat out of the backfield for the Broncos. Still, the Broncos do not have the skill set Allen has on their current roster.