Ex-Patriots receiver signs free agent contract with Broncos

Lil’ Jordan Humphrey has a new home.

Humphrey signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, according to the NFL Trade Wire. The 24-year-old wide receiver was released by the New England Patriots in mid-November and spent the rest of the season on the open market.

Humphrey impressed in training camp last summer before being released before the start of the regular season. The former New Orleans Saints product ended up returning to the Patriots practice squad and ended up being active for six games. He saw a good chunk of playing time in four of those six contests, including receiving 82% of offensive snaps in New England’s Week 3 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Humphrey largely served as a gimmicky hybrid player, often lining up as a receiver but operating effectively as a tight end. He drew rave reviews for his run-blocking prowess, but offered little production in the passing game.

As he was released, Humphrey caught two balls from 20 yards. However, he could have delivered a huge play in New England’s Week 2 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but quarterback Mac Jones failed to hit Humphrey.

Second drive wasn’t a great one for Mac Jones.

Missed a wide open Lil’Jordan Humphrey over the middle until Heyward collapsed the pocket.

Two plays later, Jones failed to confirm after trying to look off coverage and floats one to Minkah. Struggled here last year, as well pic.twitter.com/0zV7OonCyu

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 19, 2022

Humphrey will likely have to fight for a roster spot this summer with the Broncos.