Adam Humphries reportedly drawing interest from Broncos - 247Sports

Adam Humphries is a player on the Broncos' radar as NFL free agency approaches.

After speaking with sources at last week's Scouting Combine, 9News' Mike Klis reports the fifth-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver has intrigued Denver's decision-makers — on a rudimentary basis, anyway, as the sides haven't yet negotiated, and can't until March 11.

"How much interest won’t be known until the free-agent negotiating window opens a week from today when it becomes time to talk money," Klis noted.

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A 2015 undrafted free agent out of Clemson, Humphries quietly shined in Tampa despite being overshadowed by veteran stars DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound slot man set career highs in 2018 with 76 receptions for 816 yards and five touchdowns. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 32 WR among 117 qualifiers.

Humphries doubles as a special teams maven, able to return both kicks and punts. He notched 21 punt returns and two kick returns last season, and ran back a 109-yard kick-six during the preseason.

Striking while the iron's hot in a weak free-agent class, Humphries reportedly is asking for $10-14 million annually on the open market. He might get it, but the Broncos are unlikely to cut a check that size. General manager John Elway confirmed at the Combine that Denver will exercise Emmanuel Sanders' option for 2019, and he directly talked up sophomore WRs Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton.

“They both got better," he said. "I think that greatest thing for them is the fact that they got a lot of playing time late because of the injuries we did have. We have high expectations for them that they’re going to make that jump from the first year to the second year. Obviously, they have a long way to go, but we’re excited about the first year that they had. They’re workers, and I really think the sky is the limit for both of them.”

Sanders, recovering from a torn Achilles, hopes to be ready for Week 1, barring any setbacks. His projected role and $12.937 million cap number — third-highest on the team — may prevent the Broncos from adding to a position that's already flush with young talent (Tim Patrick, River Cracraft).

“Hopefully it’ll be a major role for us," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said of Sanders' outlook. "Emmanuel’s a hell of a player, been a highly productive receiver in the league for a long time. He was having an excellent year last year with the Broncos. We expect him to be back full speed.”

Klis says Sanders prefers to remain outside rather than man the slot, which technically creates a(nother) roster void. But it's likelier to be filled with a mid-tier signing or draft pick, and not by throwing outrageous money at a non-household name.

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