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The Denver Broncos’ offseason had barely begun before head coach Sean Payton made it clear that he’s searching for a key offensive weapon—a “joker.”
A joker is a hybrid player who can operate as both a runner and a receiver, providing strong run-after-catch ability and lining up in multiple spots across the formation. Payton has long valued this type of player, often discussing its importance to his offensive scheme. However, in his first two seasons with the Broncos, he hasn’t had a true joker like he did during his 15-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Payton’s History with Jokers
Payton first incorporated the joker role as an offensive assistant with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, where he worked with tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Jason Witten. In New Orleans, the role evolved through different players, from tight ends like Shockey and Jimmy Graham to dynamic running backs such as Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles, and Alvin Kamara.
These players weren’t just explosive playmakers—they were crucial in third-down situations and against top-tier defenses, areas where the Broncos struggled this past season.
Denver’s Offensive Struggles
The Broncos had the third-highest rate of three-and-out possessions (26.3%) in the league. They ranked 13th in third-down conversions and 17th in converting third-and-medium situations (4-6 yards). Against AFC playoff teams, Denver averaged just 16.9 points per game and scored 16 or fewer in five of seven matchups, including a lone touchdown in their 31-7 wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“We definitely have to score more than seven points in these tough games,” said rookie quarterback Bo Nix. “We went to Baltimore and only scored 10, scored seven [against the Bills]. So there are certain things where it all comes down to execution and scoring more points.”
Broncos’ Attempt to Fill the Joker Role
Denver tried to create joker-like production by utilizing their running backs in the passing game. Javonte Williams finished second on the team with 52 receptions, while Jaleel McLaughlin added 24. However, they combined for just two receiving touchdowns and averaged under seven yards per catch (6.7 for Williams, 3.2 for McLaughlin).
The tight end group also provided limited impact. Lucas Krull led the position with just 19 catches, and the unit had seven games without a single 10-yard reception.
“I think in our league when you look around … you’ll always remember [tight end Travis] Kelcewith the Chiefs, I don’t know that you’ll remember the receivers sometimes,” Payton said. “Do I think we have some candidates [to be a joker]? Yes. That inner triangle of attacking a defense is really important.”
Payton once hoped that tight end Greg Dulcich, a 2022 third-round pick, could fill that role by challenging linebackers and safeties in coverage. However, hamstring injuries kept him out of eight of Denver’s 12 games before he was waived in November. He is now with the Giants.
Can Marvin Mims Jr. Be the Answer?
Among current Broncos, Marvin Mims Jr. comes closest to Payton’s joker prototype. An All-Pro returner, Mims saw more snaps in the backfield late in the season and finished strong, posting two 100-yard receiving games in the final month. He also averaged over 20 yards per catch in three of Denver’s last six regular-season games.
However, at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, Mims lacks the size and physicality Payton prefers in a joker. While he’s a dangerous deep threat, he doesn’t possess the same tackle-breaking ability or elusiveness in traffic as Payton’s past jokers.
Broncos Could Target a Joker in the Draft
With Mims not fitting the mold completely, the Broncos could look to the draft for their ideal joker. At pick No. 20, they may consider tight ends like Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Later in the draft, running backs with strong receiving skills, such as Kansas’ Devin Neal or Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, could also be options.
“We’ll go through that process, and we’ll look closely at what we think we still need, what we have to have and then what we want to have,” Payton said. “That only comes after evaluating our own roster. We’re just not there yet.”
As Denver looks to build around Nix and improve their offensive firepower, finding a true joker could be a key piece to unlocking Payton’s system.
Related Content: Sean Payton Confident Bo Nix Is the Broncos’ QB of the Future
This report used information from ESPN.
