Broncos Mix Up Receiving Corps

Following a disappointing wild card loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Denver Broncos entered the offseason with several question marks on the roster only a year removed from a Super Bowl run that ended in defeat.

Foremost among the questions to be answered was the Wes Welker dilemma -- would he return to the Broncos in 2016? Head coach John Fox got his answer late Sunday when Welker called a press conference at Denver's practice facilities to formally announce his retirement.

"I've had a great career in the league. Playing with guys like Tom (Brady) and Peyton (Manning) is any receiver's dream, and I can say that I've been there," Welker said. "I had some thoughts about hanging it up after the big game last year, and over the course of the season it became clear to me that it was time to start another phase of my life."

Rumors of Welker's imminent retirement had plagued the diminutive receiver all offseason and continued throughout the 2015 season as Welker's role in the offense diminished -- even with the mounting injuries to the receiving corps. The second-round selection of Louisville alumnus DeVante Parker in last year's draft seemed a sign that Broncos management saw a need at receiver in the near future.

Parker's rookie season was eventful, with numerous starts replacing Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, both of whom went down with injuries for significant portions of the season. Parker had up and down performances, but ultimately finished his rookie campaign as a starter while Welker remained in the slot as the Broncos focused on more run-oriented formations on offense.

With Welker out of the picture, Broncos Vice President and General Manager John Elway took little time finding a suitable replacement -- recently un-retired receiver Reggie Wayne.

"Reggie is a guy who will step in and immediately make an impact for us," Elway said. "We sent some guys to his workouts when we heard he was making a comeback, and they came back impressed."

Head coach John Fox was adamant that Wayne would be a contributor to the offense and not just a teacher for younger receivers like Cody Hoffman and Parker.

"We got our guy," Fox said. "Reggie's going to go out there and put on a performance. Between D(emaryius Thomas), Eric and Reggie, Blake (Bortles)'s got a very good group to target on every down."

Denver made few other moves this offseason, among them bringing back free agent running back Ronnie Hillman, while nabbing young prospects in receivers Odell Beckham and defensive linemen Roy Philon and Colby Way.