Broncos sign familiar wide receiver to active roster ahead of Chiefs game

It’s no secret that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a few select favorites — players and coaches — from his last few years as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Highlighted by kicker Wil Lutz and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, a handful of those people have made their way from the Bayou to the Mile High City.

One of those players is Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who spent the first three years of his career with Payton in New Orleans. He then made his way to Denver with Payton in 2023 and 2024 after a short stint in New England, but ended up with the New York Giants on the practice squad to start the season. However, Payton couldn’t go too long without having him on the team, as the Broncos signed him to the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

Source: Broncos are signing WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey off the Giants’ practice squad. Humphrey now is returning to Denver, and he is likely to play Sunday vs. the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/mXk99OYMb4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 12, 2025

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the transaction. The Broncos had an open roster spot after putting linebacker Karene Reid on IR, and decided to fill it on the other side of the ball. Denver now has six wide receivers on the active roster.

What’s notable about Schefter’s report is that he said Humphrey is “likely to play” in Sunday’s pivotal showdown against Kansas City. He’s got a big frame and is good in the blocking game, but is not one of the most talented receivers to put on the orange and blue in recent memory.

In his two years with the Broncos, Humphrey had 44 catches for 455 yards and four touchdowns. Throughout his seven-year career, he’s posted 66 catches for 825 yards and seven touchdowns.

When Broncos general manager George Paton called him on Wednesday, there was no hesitation from the 6-foot-4, 225-pound receiver.

Talked to Humphrey’s agent Jimmy Gould. George Paton called about an hour ago and Lil’Jordan didn’t hesitate in making decision to return to Denver. “Very exciting to be going back home,” Gould said.
Humphrey will fly in to Denver tonight and is expected to play Sunday vs Chiefs. https://t.co/pqmjkN7zNv

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) November 12, 2025

It’s clear that Humphrey likes the culture Sean Payton has built in Denver and that Payton likes that Humphrey brings to the table on offense. He now joins the orange and blue at a pivotal point in the season as they begin to prepare for an important playoff push.

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