The Denver Broncos have all of the confidence in the world in Peyton Manning despite his recent injuries and decline in numbers. However, in order for the quarterback to be successful, he needs an array of weapons to work with on offense. Getting Demaryius Thomas under a new contract certainly helped that effort, but a season-ending injury to another player puts pressure on the Broncos to eye roster adjustments.
According to Kevin Petra of NFL.com, wide receiver Kyle Williams was carted off the field Saturday after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. This is just another notch on the lengthy injury list for Williams who has a two torn ACLs and an injured shoulder to his name. The 27-year-old sat out the entire 2014 season with the Kansas City Chiefs following the shoulder issue and was promptly released, but the Broncos signed him in hopes that he would be a solid rotation player. The hole on the roster leaves room for potentially another addition.
Manning likes targets. He likes to have as many wide receivers as possible to throw to and there are still quality options on the free agent market for Denver to look at. The biggest name, at least for Manning, is Reggie Wayne who wants to play one more season before heading off into retirement. If Denver wants another receiver, he is the best option considering his relationship with the quarterback. After that, Wes Welker also has a relationship with Manning and is looking for a new home. Both players would sign for cheap and likely be a high-reward type of option for the Broncos.
The Broncos plan on relying heavily on the run game in 2015 which features a three-headed monster of CJ Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman who all return healthy for the new season while battling to become the starter. According to ESPN.com, Anderson has the lead on the race while Ball and Hillman continue to struggle in training camp. Anderson is picking up right where he left off in 2014 after finishing the season as the top fantasy running back. Anyone setting their rosters early would be wise to leave him in the RB1 category.
It is unknown if the Broncos will really pursue another option at the wide receiver position. Outside of Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, there is a talent drop off. Getting a veteran like Wayne or Welker would not be the worst move the team could make.
