The Denver Broncos once selected Montrell Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. He could be part of the contingent standing in the Broncos’ path. They are out for a Super Bowl berth this season, and his latest career move has set the stage for a matchup.
Washington did not last long in Denver.
He has had much greater success since his departure. That is particularly true from a team standpoint, and could add to that tally this season.
Ex-Broncos WR Montrell Washington Lands With AFC Rival
GettyMontrell Washington is back in the AFC, joining the Houston Texans.
It has been nearly three full seasons since the Broncos released Washington. His new team could be one of those that the Broncos face on what they hope is a postseason run to the Super Bowl this coming season.
“#Texans sign receiver and returner Montrell Washington, per a league source. Worked out for team recently. Successful workout culminates in a deal today,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 4, adding that the veteran wide receiver is “Repped by @ASCEND_FB @RandyMFisher.”
Notably, Washington won a Super Bowl with the Broncos’ AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2023 as a kick returner. He went back to the big game with them in 2024.
Washington, 27, has more return yards (706 combined) than yards from scrimmage (32).
He was drafted by the DC Defenders in the United Football League this past spring, but was waived during their final roster cutdowns. Washington turned heads during the 2025 preseason with the New York Giants.
Now, Washington must try to stick on the Texans’ 53-man roster in what is a rather deep wide receiver room.
Broncos Can Learn Lesson From Failed Draft Pick
GettyMontrell Washington has had difficulty sticking with a club.
The Broncos moved on from Washington after just one season, which is not uncommon for later-round draft picks. Washington’s journey is at a crossroads now, but his participation in the Chiefs winning a title puts an exclamation point on a valuable lesson for the Broncos.
Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Mims is a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler as a returner. He has yet to catch on at his traditional wide receiver position. That is, beyond a gadget or occasional field-stretching role.
He, like young teammates Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant, has also been bandied about in speculative trade discussions following the Broncos’ offseason trade for Jaylen Waddle, pairing him with Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton.
But Mims has already proven his value to the Broncos.
He has already outdone what Washington did as a receiver and a return man, lasting three seasons with the Broncos. He could still have more to come.
Marvin Mims in Interesting Situation Worth Monitoring
GettyMarvin Mims’ future with the Denver Broncos remains uncertain.
Mims led the NFL in punt return yards in 2025, but he was not able to extend his Pro Bowl streak for a third year. He was a Second Team All-Pro as a rookie, earning First Team honors in 2024. He has been consistently impactful.
The Broncos have been proactive with players that they want to retain.
The lack of activity or even chatter could mean the writing is already on the wall for the speedy playmaker.
Former Broncos Draft Pick Lands With AFC Super Bowl Hopeful