Tim Patrick was poised to be an important part of the Denver Broncos‘ offense in 2023. The wide receiver missed the entire 2022 season with a knee ligament injury, but he was deemed healthy and good to go at the start of training camp last week.
But disaster struck on Monday. Patrick suffered a non-contact injury during a drill, and Payton later announced that the 29-year-old has sustained an Achilles injury — which, when confirmed, will end his season, nearly a year to the day he tore his ACL.
The brutal injury means Russell Wilson has one less option for the 2023 season, in which many expect the Broncos to bounce back and contend for the playoffs. But the free agent market for wide receivers still has some intriguing names that could be worth a look for Payton.
Julio, Jarvis, and more
With DeAndre Hopkins now in Tennessee, the Broncos could look to sign a former Titan in Julio Jones.
Jones remains a big-name receiver and has led the NFL in receiving yards twice in his 12-year career. However, Jones’ production has tailed off significantly in recent seasons. He’s played only 20 games since leaving the Atlanta Falcons after the 2020 season and caught three touchdowns.
Five-time Pro Bowl selection Jarvis Landry is also available after a disappointing 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints — Payton‘s former team. Former Patrick Mahomes target Sammy Watkins is on the market too, alongside former first-round pick N’Keal Harry and longtime Indianapolis Colts wideout T.Y. Hilton.
Bookmakers bullish on Broncos bounceback
The injury to Patrick — as well as the heart issue plaguing KJ Hamler — could have an impact on where sportsbooks expect Denver to finish in the 2023 standings.
According to OddsShark, the Broncos‘ over-under win total for the coming season is set at 8.5, which would represent a three-victory improvement from 2022. Oddsmakers expect Wilson to return to form under offensive genius Payton — but the veteran quarterback will need some options at wideout if the Broncos are to return to the playoff mix.
