Pat Bryant

Bryant suffered two significant concussions in the 2025 season (Week 16 vs Jacksonville and AFC Divisional vs Buffalo), with one resulting in hospitalization. Recurring concussions raise long-term durability concerns and may limit opportunity windows.

Denver traded for Jaylen Waddle this offseason, inserting a proven WR2 above Bryant on the depth chart. Bryant now sits WR4/5 behind Sutton, Waddle, Franklin, and Mims — requiring multiple injuries ahead of him for consistent fantasy relevance in 2026.

Bryant's snap share cratered from 66% in Week 18 to just 4% in Week 21, with target share collapsing from 22% to 4% over the same window. This isn't noise — it reflects a hardening depth chart pecking order that the Waddle trade now permanently cements.

Sean Payton has invested heavily in Bryant (3rd-round pick, promotional tweets). Payton fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and elevated Davis Webb, signaling a potential schematic reset that could benefit young receivers breaking through like Bryant.

Bryant showed dramatic progression late in 2025, averaging 40+ yards per game over the final six contests and recording 364 receiving yards since Week 8 with a 73.0 PFF grade. He appeared to be carving out a WR2 role before the concussion, demonstrating high coaching staff trust.

If Bryant returns healthy, the Broncos may face WR free agency/trade upgrades given mid-field struggles. However, his demonstrated game-speed effectiveness and Nix chemistry position him well for target share growth in 2026 if durability holds.

Bryant showed dramatic progression late in 2025, posting a 73.0 PFF grade since Week 8 with 364 receiving yards over the final six games. He was emerging as the clear WR2 before his concussion, demonstrating coaching staff trust and chemistry with Nix.

Courtland Sutton turns 30 in 2026 and his contract situation makes him a realistic cut or trade candidate heading into 2027. His departure would immediately elevate Bryant into a genuine WR2/3 role with meaningful target volume alongside Waddle and Franklin.