Broncos Add Familiar Face in Lil’Jordan Humphrey as Offense Seeks Stability Ahead of Chiefs Clash

The 2025 Denver Broncos are an anomaly in today’s NFL. Sitting at 8–2 through 10 weeks, they lead the league in punts — an unusual statistic for a team in playoff position. Their season has been defined by narrow victories, a stingy defense, and an offense that relies on efficiency over explosiveness. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has played with resilience, often saving his best for the final minutes of games.

Denver’s defense, anchored by a dominant front and opportunistic secondary, has kept contests within reach long enough for the offense to scrape together just enough points late. The Broncos’ formula is simple but precarious: win the field-position battle, limit turnovers, and trust their defense to carry them through low-scoring affairs.

Still, questions persist about the offense’s rhythm. The Broncos struggle to sustain drives, frequently punting their way into fourth-quarter dogfights. Even in wins, head coach Sean Payton’s group has shown little consistency through the air, relying heavily on tight formations and conservative play-calling.

It’s within that context that Denver made a move aimed at raising its offensive floor — signing wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the New York Giants’ practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

1. A Familiar Target Returns to Sean Payton’s System

For Payton, Humphrey represents more than a depth addition. The two have history — Humphrey played under Payton in New Orleans, where he was valued for his size, blocking, and reliability on short and intermediate routes. The 6-foot-4 wideout brings a physical presence that fits perfectly into Denver’s scheme, especially in the red zone and on early downs. The Broncos’ passing attack has been methodical rather than explosive, relying on personnel flexibility and precise timing rather than deep shots. Humphrey’s familiarity with Payton’s playbook and willingness to do the little things — block on the perimeter, run slants, and contribute on special teams — makes him an ideal fit for a team that thrives on small advantages. His role may appear modest, but for a team living on slim margins, those subtleties matter. Denver has bogged down in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where Humphrey’s size and experience could give Nix an additional safety valve. Moreover, his addition reinforces Denver’s commitment to complementary football. With the defense and special teams carrying much of the load, the offense doesn’t need fireworks — it just needs reliability. Humphrey’s versatility helps stabilize that balance.

2. Preparing for Kansas City’s Defensive Chess Match

The timing of the move is no coincidence. The Broncos’ next test comes against the Kansas City Chiefs — a team known for disguising coverage, forcing patience, and capitalizing on offensive mistakes. Against such a disciplined defense, every possession becomes a battle of attrition. With Courtland Sutton drawing double teams and Marvin Mims Jr. stretching the field vertically, Humphrey’s presence could offer Nix a dependable underneath option. His ability to block on the edge also supports Denver’s rushing attack, led by JK Dobbins, which must stay productive to avoid third-and-long situations. Denver’s special teams will also benefit. As the league’s most frequent punting team, the Broncos rely heavily on coverage units to pin opponents deep and flip field position. Humphrey’s experience in those roles should help maintain consistency in an area that’s quietly been one of Denver’s biggest strengths. Still, as ESPN’s Mina Kimes observed, the core offensive issue remains unsolved: defenses continue to stack the box against Denver’s run game because the Broncos haven’t consistently punished them through the air. Until Nix and his receivers force opponents to respect the outside passing lanes, the offense will remain limited.

3. A Small Move with Potential Big Impact

Humphrey isn’t expected to overhaul Denver’s offense, but his addition could be meaningful in the margins — precisely where the Broncos have lived all season. His presence offers insurance, depth, and a touch of familiarity in an attack still searching for its identity. The Broncos’ games have consistently followed a pattern: slow starts, defensive slugfests, and late-game poise from Nix to close out tight victories. Against the Chiefs, even a single sustained drive or red-zone conversion could swing the outcome. Denver’s success has defied conventional wisdom, and while their formula may not be pretty, it has proven effective. By doubling down on detail-oriented football, the Broncos are showing that even minor roster moves can carry major implications for a team built on precision and discipline. As they prepare for a crucial divisional matchup, Denver’s margin for error remains small — but so too does their need for the right piece at the right time.