Marvin Mims has picked a perfect time to step up for Broncos

The Denver Broncos made one of the top moves any team made this offseason when they acquired Jaylen Waddle via trade from the Miami Dolphins.

That move will give the team the explosive playmaker it has been lacking, but we shouldn't lose sight of the young trio of receivers still on the roster. Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant all stand ready to make a big impact in 2026.

In the case of Mims, fans have long lamented the fact that he just isn't involved enough offensively. He's proven himself to be a Pro Bowl specialist as a return man, but his efforts against the Buffalo Bills in last year's divisional round (eight receptions, 93 yards, one touchdown) showed that he should be worked in as a receiver more often. He also drew the pass interference penalty that led to the game-winning field goal in that massive win.

Mims got real honest when asked last month about 2026 being the final year of his contract. To this point in training camp, he is performing as though he has a lot to prove. He did suffer a bit of an injury setback last Friday, but he seems to be trending in the right direction.

Marvin Mims is in pads but yesterday he was dressed and did not participate. We’ll see if today is different. pic.twitter.com/Yi7WPikso2

The Broncos have a steady combination in Waddle and Courtland Sutton in place, but there is still room for a guy like Mims to get on the field and make plays. He was the team's best deep-ball receiver last season and could still be that, even with Waddle around.

The Broncos need to look to work Mims in as a player who can routinely take the top off of a defense or work as a gadget-play guy (and not the wide receiver reverse play that coach Sean Payton has called far too many times).

Mims can be a wizard with the ball in his hands, and his start to camp this summer is a sign that he believes the team needs to give him more opportunities. He is deserving of a contract extension based on what he has brought the team as a punt returner alone, but if he can add more depth to his game as a consistent option in the passing game, then that decision should be an easy one to make.

This will be one of the more interesting storylines to follow with this team in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Marvin Mims has picked a perfect time to step up for Broncos