A familiar face might be heading back to the Mile High City. As the Denver Broncos continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, a surprising and intriguing hint has emerged from one of their former players—a player who, at one point, was viewed as a future cornerstone of the defense. A former second-round pick who earned a sizable $13 million contract at his peak is now openly teasing the idea of returning to the team that drafted him.
While no official moves have been made, the whispers are growing louder after a cryptic social media post and follow-up comments from this player sent Broncos fans into a frenzy. The name? Cody Latimer. The position? Wide receiver turned tight end. The intrigue? Absolutely real.
Latimer was originally selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Indiana. A physically gifted receiver with size, speed, and a willingness to block, Latimer came into the league with high expectations. Though his numbers in Denver never quite reflected those lofty hopes—he never topped 300 receiving yards in a season during his four-year stint—he carved out a valuable role as a special teamer and depth option during a competitive era in Broncos football.
After his rookie contract expired, Latimer moved on to the New York Giants, where he found modest success and earned a more stable role in the passing game. His time in New York showcased his versatility and, more importantly, his evolution as a player willing to do the dirty work. Though not a superstar by any means, Latimer became a respected veteran presence and dependable contributor. His cumulative NFL earnings eventually topped $13 million—a reflection not of gaudy stat lines, but of reliability, professionalism, and potential unrealized.
Following stints in the NFL, Latimer’s career took a surprising turn when he transitioned to the XFL, suiting up for the Orlando Guardians as a tight end. The move revitalized his career. No longer trying to meet the expectations of a top-flight wideout, Latimer embraced his new position with open arms—and big results. He became one of the league’s most productive tight ends, earning praise for his blocking, toughness, and red zone capabilities. The experience reminded football fans that sometimes, a player’s true value only emerges after a role change or second chance.
Now, with a possible return to the NFL on the horizon, Latimer has once again piqued curiosity—especially in Denver. In a recent Instagram post, Latimer shared a throwback photo of himself in a Broncos uniform with a caption that read simply: “Unfinished business?” The post immediately sparked speculation, especially considering Denver’s current situation at the tight end position.
The Broncos, now in the thick of an offseason retooling under head coach Sean Payton, have made it clear that competition will define their approach moving forward. With a new quarterback likely to be under center and multiple roster spots up for grabs, Payton and general manager George Paton are exploring every possible avenue to upgrade and reinforce the team. That includes low-cost, high-upside veterans who can offer versatility and leadership—precisely the mold Latimer now fits.
Denver’s tight end room, while not barren, lacks proven consistency. Greg Dulcich has flashed big-play ability but has struggled to stay healthy. Other options like Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull are serviceable but have yet to seize full control of a starting role. Latimer, with his unique background as both a receiver and tight end, could offer a dynamic element that meshes well with Payton’s creative offensive schemes. His willingness to block, experience in multiple systems, and physicality would add depth and flexibility, particularly in two-tight end sets or red zone packages.
Moreover, Latimer’s familiarity with the Broncos organization could ease his reintegration. While many coaches and front-office figures from his first stint in Denver have moved on, the culture and expectations of the franchise remain. For a veteran looking to extend his career and contribute meaningfully, returning to a known environment can be an advantage. And for a team seeking leadership and accountability, bringing back a battle-tested player who has matured through highs and lows may be worth the gamble.
Latimer, now 31, isn’t the same player who entered the league a decade ago. That’s precisely what makes this possible reunion so intriguing. He has been humbled, challenged, and forced to adapt. He has stepped away from the NFL spotlight, reinvented his game, and found a new sense of purpose. For teams like the Broncos, those qualities matter. In a league constantly looking for the next big thing, sometimes the better bet is on the player who has been around the block—and come back stronger.
Of course, the road to a reunion is paved with logistics. Salary cap concerns, roster composition, and Latimer’s willingness to embrace a depth role are all factors that must be weighed. But from a football standpoint, the fit makes sense. He’s not coming in to be the savior. He’s not being handed a starting job. He’s being considered—perhaps—for what he is: a proven professional who brings toughness, effort, and a renewed sense of hunger.
And then there’s the sentimental side. Fans always love a homecoming story, especially when it involves a player who feels like a “what-if.” Latimer never quite lived up to his draft status in Denver, but he never became a bust either. He was steady, contributed in different ways, and left with a sense of unfinished potential. A second chapter—if it were to happen—would give both sides a chance to close that book on better terms.
In interviews following his XFL success, Latimer has repeatedly emphasized how much he has grown as a player and person. He’s spoken about maturity, about understanding the game more deeply, and about embracing roles that help teams win. Those aren’t just buzzwords—they’re insights into a player who has evolved beyond his original blueprint. When a player like that says he’s ready, people listen.
There’s also the Sean Payton factor. Known for his ability to get the most out of his offensive personnel, Payton has long shown an affinity for versatile weapons. From using hybrid backs to reinventing tight ends, Payton’s offenses are tailored to maximize mismatches. Latimer, in his current form, fits that mold. He’s big enough to block, fast enough to threaten linebackers, and smart enough to grasp complex roles. In the right system, he could be more than a training camp story—he could be a contributor.
No one is claiming this reunion is a sure thing. The NFL is unpredictable, and rosters change rapidly. But when a player drops a breadcrumb like “Unfinished business?” and it resonates with fans and fits a team need, it’s not just nostalgia—it’s potential.
The Broncos have plenty of decisions to make in the coming weeks. With the NFL Draft approaching and post-draft free agency heating up, they’ll be looking for value wherever they can find it. A player like Latimer, who won’t command a massive deal but could bring real depth, becomes an intriguing piece of that puzzle.
And if the stars align—if the front office sees the value, if Latimer is truly ready, and if both sides agree on a vision—then maybe, just maybe, we’ll see No. 14 (or whatever number he chooses) back in orange and blue, running routes and throwing blocks on a Sunday afternoon in Denver.
Because sometimes, the best comebacks don’t start with a press release—they start with a cryptic Instagram post and a whole lot of unfinished business.