BREAKING: Former Broncos Second-Round Pick Teases Potential Homecoming to Denver
April 22, 2025
In a move that’s sparking excitement, speculation, and a flood of social media buzz, a former Denver Broncos second-round pick has hinted at a possible return to the Mile High City, teasing fans with what many are calling a potential NFL homecoming story for the ages.
Though nothing has been made official, the subtle-yet-pointed hints dropped on social media and in interviews by the unnamed player — whose identity is being kept tightly under wraps by sources close to the situation — have left both Broncos fans and league insiders wondering: could a familiar face be making his way back to Empower Field at Mile High?
Here’s what we know so far, what it could mean for the Broncos, and how it fits into the broader context of the team’s 2025 strategy.
Mysterious Tease Sparks Fan Frenzy
The rumors began swirling late Monday evening when a cryptic post appeared on X (formerly Twitter), shared by the former Broncos draft pick. The post featured a simple orange and blue heart emoji, followed by the phrase:
“Unfinished business
Within minutes, fans and analysts alike began speculating about who the player might be and what a potential return could mean for the Denver Broncos. The post has since gone viral, amassing over 1.2 million views and being retweeted by several current and former Broncos players, further adding fuel to the speculation.
One former teammate responded with the comment, “Let’s run it back ,” while another added, “Time to finish what we started.” Both messages were deleted hours later — but not before fans had screenshotted and shared them widely.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed to ESPN that discussions between the Broncos front office and the player’s representatives have “reignited” in recent weeks, especially following a series of internal personnel evaluations as the team gears up for the 2025 NFL Draft and training camp.
Who Could It Be? Top Candidates for the Mystery Return
Although no official name has been attached to the potential homecoming, several former second-round Broncos draft picks stand out as likely candidates:
Drew Lock – QB (2019 Second Round Pick)
Once heralded as the Broncos’ quarterback of the future, Lock had an up-and-down tenure in Denver from 2019 to 2021 before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson deal. Lock has since served as a backup but showed flashes of growth in limited starts during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Given Denver’s continued uncertainty at the quarterback position, a Lock return — now older, more mature, and perhaps humbled — could be an intriguing reunion. Sources say Lock still holds strong ties to Denver and has maintained offseason training connections in Colorado.
Dalton Risner – OL (2019 Second Round Pick)
Another compelling possibility is offensive lineman Dalton Risner, who spent four solid seasons with Denver before brief stints with Minnesota and New Orleans. A return to bolster the Broncos’ offensive line could make sense, especially with depth concerns and the team’s commitment to protecting whoever will be under center in 2025.
Risner has remained active in the Denver community and was spotted at a recent Avalanche game — further stoking rumors of a comeback.
Courtland Sutton – WR (2018 Second Round Pick)
Although Sutton was technically a second-round pick in 2018, he’s still with the team — but with trade rumors swirling, a restructured deal or brief departure followed by a return could be part of the story here. Alternatively, it’s possible that a future Sutton departure could parallel the narrative being teased.
Why Now? Timing Is Everything
The timing of this tease is particularly notable. With the 2025 NFL Draft just days away, general managers across the league are reevaluating veteran rosters, cap space, and locker room leadership. The Broncos, who finished 8-9 in 2024 and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight year, are in a crucial transition period under new leadership and a revised front-office structure.
General Manager George Paton and new head coach [Insert Coach Name] are expected to prioritize both stability and locker room culture in rebuilding the team’s identity. A return from a former draftee — especially one with roots in the city and chemistry with remaining players — could provide both.
“Reunions like this are rare,” said NFL analyst and former Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard. “But when they happen, and the fit is right, they can spark something special. A guy who knows the system, understands the fans, and feels like he has something to prove? That’s dangerous in the best way.”
Fan Reactions: Hope, Hype, and Hashtags
Fans have taken to social media en masse to speculate and campaign for their favorite former players’ return. The hashtag #BroncosHomecoming trended nationally overnight, with supporters flooding platforms with photos, videos, and emotional pleas.
“Bring back Lock! He deserves a second shot in orange and blue,” wrote one fan on Reddit.
“Risner was the heart of the O-line. Let’s get him back where he belongs,” chimed in another.
“Whichever one of you it is — come home. Broncos Country never forgets,” read a viral post that gained over 10,000 likes.
The Broncos organization has remained publicly silent on the matter, offering only a vague but suggestive GIF of a “watch this space” sign posted to the official team Instagram account.
A Strategic Move or Sentimental Gesture?
While the emotional value of a homecoming story cannot be denied, the question remains: is this just nostalgia, or is there real football logic behind a potential return?
Former Broncos executive and current ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth believes the move, if it materializes, will be grounded in strategy.
“You don’t make decisions at this level just for sentiment,” said Schlereth. “If they’re talking about bringing someone back, it’s because they believe he can contribute. Period. But having that emotional edge — a guy who feels he’s got unfinished business — that’s where the magic happens.”
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to the Broncos’ front office and the coming days. With draft preparations in full swing and voluntary OTAs just around the corner, the clock is ticking on whether this homecoming rumor turns into reality.
Whether it’s Drew Lock seeking redemption, Dalton Risner reinforcing the trenches, or another mystery name entirely, the momentum is undeniable. Broncos Country is watching. And waiting.
One thing is certain — in a league dominated by stats and salary caps, sometimes, the biggest plays begin with just a spark of emotion.
