DENVER — It takes a certain kind of player to play for Sean Payton.
A tough player. A mentally tough, hard working player. Talented players with grit.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey is one of those players. The sixth-year receiver is signing back with the Broncos on a one-year contract. 9NEWS was the first to report of Humphrey's return. Humphrey played four of his first five NFL seasons for Payton, his head coach for three years in New Orleans and last season with the Broncos.
“We had conversations with other teams but ultimately I want to be in Denver,'' Humphrey said in a phone conversation with 9NEWS. "I love the city, I love the fans, And love coach Payton, and the organization. I wanted to go back and they gave me the opportunity to do that.’’
Humphrey joins fullback Michael Burton, kicker Wil Lutz and tight end Adam Trautman as players who played for Payton in New Orleans and re-signed to play a second season with the coach in Denver.
Humphrey's co-agents Jimmy and Dylan Gould had to battle the Broncos' tough negotiators to reach agreement. But Humphrey will be flying in Wednesday night to Denver to sign his deal Thursday.
"They fought for me and did an amazing job,'' Humphrey said of his agents.
RELATED: Broncos bring back Adam Trautman
“I’m very grateful to the entire organization and coach Payton for his loyalty and dedication in giving L.J. the support and willingness to grow as part of the team,'' Jimmy Gould said.
Humphrey was an invaluable No. 3-4 receiver for the Broncos last year. Considered the team's best blocking receiver, he had 3 touchdowns among his 13 catches. He played 40 percent of the offensive snaps -- way more than most No. 3-4 receivers get.
Humphrey, a young veteran who doesn't turn 26 until next month, was undrafted out of Texas in 2019. He signed with the Saints, whose head coach was Payton. A big, physical receiver, the highlight of Humphrey's first season with the Broncos was in their final home game at Empower Field at Mile High on New Year's Eve when he caught a crossing route from new starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Humphrey dodged and broke several would-be Los Angeles Charger tacklers on his way to a 54-yard touchdown. The Broncos won 16-9.
It was the longest touchdown play of Jordan's career.
"I was happy to make that play because, five years, it's been a minute, you know what I mean?'' Humphrey said. "To do that and show my potential and my abilities, it definitely made me feel good."
Payton demands his receivers block downfield. It can be the difference between a 5-yard gain for a running back and 20 yards. Would Humphrey agree with the assessment he's the Broncos' best on the outside?
"I appreciate that but that's not for me to judge,'' Humphrey said. "I just go out there and do my job and let other people do the judging."
Humphrey says he has no concerns about the Broncos' uncertain quarterback situation following the release of Russell Wilson. Humphrey built nice chemistry with backup-turned-starter Jarrett Stidham last year.
"I believe that anybody coach Payton brings in we'll make it work and put out a great product,'' Humphrey said. "Jarrett, that'd be cool."
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
