The Denver Broncos made a savvy depth move this week, signing veteran wide receiver Mike Woods following a successful tryout at their rookie minicamp. As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the deal is a standard one-year, veteran minimum contract, according to The Denver Post's Luca Evans.
The addition puts Denver's roster at 92 players, meaning they'll need to make one corresponding move to free up a spot. It's worth noting that punter Jeremy Crawshaw counts as the team's International Roster Exemption player, allowing the Broncos to carry 91 players before this signing.
Woods, standing 6-1 and weighing 204 pounds, entered the league as a sixth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons in Cleveland, appearing in 15 games (two starts) and hauling in 12 receptions for 110 yards. Interestingly, his most memorable performance came against the Broncos themselves during a primetime matchup in 2024, where he posted three catches for 43 yards in a losing effort. After his stint with the Browns, Woods spent part of last season on the Green Bay Packers practice squad.
At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Woods clocked a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, posted a 34.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-5 broad jump. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Woods possesses decent build-up speed and improving hands, though he may never be a go-to contested catch receiver. Zierlein also highlighted that Woods, an Arkansas transfer with just one season in Lincoln Riley's passing attack, has tight hips that affect his route-running and keep his game primarily vertical. Still, his improved hands in 2021 give him a fighting chance to compete for a roster or practice squad spot.
The Broncos' wide receiver room is already stacked. After making a blockbuster trade for superstar receiver Jaylen Waddle and having Courtland Sutton as a proven veteran, Woods will need to impress in training camp to carve out a role. For now, he adds depth and competition to a position group that looks poised for big things in 2025.