Broncos’ All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II Eyes Role at Wide Receiver: “Put Me at Receiver. I Could Do It.”
Denver Sports Weekly | May 10, 2025
In a statement that is already lighting up sports talk shows and social media across the country, Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II has made it clear that he’s interested in more than just locking down the league’s top receivers — he wants to become one.
In a recent interview with Denver Westword, Surtain — widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the NFL — dropped a bombshell that’s sure to excite fans and possibly give head coach Sean Payton something to think about ahead of training camp.
“Put me at receiver,” Surtain said confidently. “Let me make a couple plays here and there. I could do it. Me at receiver is very dynamic.”
The statement, brief as it was, has the football world buzzing. Could the Broncos’ shutdown corner actually take meaningful snaps on the offensive side of the ball? And should he?
A Throwback to Two-Way Legends
Surtain’s suggestion harkens back to an older era of football — and rare modern examples — where elite players showcased their talents on both sides of the ball. Hall of Famer Deion Sanders famously played both cornerback and wide receiver (and returned kicks) for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers during the 1990s. More recently, New England’s Julian Edelman and Troy Brown — both converted college quarterbacks — occasionally played on defense in emergency situations.
But the notion of an All-Pro defensive back like Surtain taking on a legitimate offensive role in the modern NFL is both bold and uncommon.
“He’s not just talking,” said a team source close to the Broncos. “Surtain has the hands, the vision, and the route awareness. He’s always jawing with the receivers in practice about how he could beat them at their own game. Now he wants to prove it.”
A Natural Fit?
To understand whether Surtain’s suggestion has merit, you first have to look at his athletic profile. A 6-foot-2, 202-pound cornerback with elite speed, fluidity, and ball skills, Surtain has already proven he can track the ball with precision. Since being selected No. 9 overall by Denver in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has established himself as one of the most feared defenders in football. He earned All-Pro honors in 2022 and has consistently been ranked among the league’s top corners ever since.
According to former Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker, Surtain’s skill set “translates extremely well” to the offensive side of the ball.
“He has the footwork and spatial awareness you need to run crisp routes,” Parker said during an offseason interview. “And most importantly, his ball skills are elite. He’s not just batting balls away — he’s intercepting, reading quarterback intentions, and making big-time plays. That would absolutely translate to receiver.”
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is expected to compete for the starting job in 2025, laughed when told of Surtain’s comments but didn’t dismiss the idea outright.
“Man, I’d love to throw him the ball and see what he can do,” Stidham said. “We see his hands in practice. He’s got sticky mitts. Don’t be surprised if he lines up in the slot or out wide sometime soon.”
Broncos in Transition
The Broncos are entering the 2025 season with more questions than answers on both sides of the ball. After a turbulent few seasons under former head coaches Nathaniel Hackett and Vic Fangio, and now under the guidance of Sean Payton, the franchise is attempting to reset its identity.
Denver finished the 2024 season with a 6–11 record, marked by inconsistency at quarterback, an injury-riddled receiver corps, and flashes of brilliance from the defense — anchored by Surtain.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was traded midseason in 2024, and Courtland Sutton missed significant time due to injury. With questions lingering about depth and explosiveness at the position, Surtain’s tongue-in-cheek comment may have struck a nerve that resonates deeper than he intended.
“He’s a team-first guy,” said head coach Sean Payton when asked about Surtain’s comments. “I don’t doubt for a second that he believes he could contribute on offense. That’s the kind of competitor he is. Whether we explore that or not depends on a lot of things — health, depth, game situations. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility.”
Payton, known for his offensive creativity during his years with the New Orleans Saints, has never been shy about using unconventional personnel. He famously made utility man Taysom Hill a hybrid quarterback/tight end/running back/returner — and even drew up plays for him to throw downfield. Adding a package of plays for an elite athlete like Surtain wouldn’t be unthinkable.
Risk vs. Reward
Of course, there’s a risk-reward calculation that comes with putting a franchise cornerstone like Surtain in harm’s way on offense. The potential for injury, especially at a physical position like wide receiver, cannot be ignored.
“The Broncos have to protect their investment,” said ESPN analyst and former NFL safety Ryan Clark. “Pat Surtain is the best player on that team. You don’t want to lose him to a hamstring pull or worse on a gadget play. That said, if it’s fourth-and-goal with the playoffs on the line? You might call his number.”
NFL coaches and GMs traditionally lean toward risk aversion, especially with premium talent. But the game is evolving, and the success of players like Travis Hunter at Colorado — playing both ways under coach Deion Sanders — has reignited interest in the multi-positional athlete.
Fan Reaction and Media Buzz
Unsurprisingly, Broncos fans were thrilled at the possibility of seeing their favorite defensive star contribute on offense.
“Why not?” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “We need more playmakers, and Surtain is exactly that. Let him cook!”
National media has also taken notice, with debate shows like First Take and Undisputed dedicating segments to the idea. Stephen A. Smith called it “a bold move that might just be what the Broncos need,” while Shannon Sharpe — a Broncos Hall of Famer himself — said, “If he says he can do it, I believe him.”
What Happens Next?
While the Broncos haven’t announced any official plans to use Surtain on offense, don’t be surprised if training camp includes a few experimental reps. Whether it’s during preseason games, goal-line situations, or as a decoy, Surtain’s comments have opened the door to possibilities — and excitement — for a franchise that desperately needs some sparks.
As for Surtain himself, the comments may have started with a playful tone, but he’s deadly serious about his abilities.
“Football is football,” he told reporters after a recent OTA session. “I want to help the team however I can. If that means locking down WR1 every week, I’m there. If that means catching a touchdown? I’m ready for that, too.”
One thing’s for certain: Pat Surtain II isn’t just one of the best defenders in the NFL — he might just be the Broncos’ most intriguing offensive weapon in waiting.
