After Saints’ Win Over Panthers, NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. Criticizes Bryce Young — Saints QB Tyler Shough Steps In to Defend the Young Quarterback, and Bryce Young’s Response Changes the Narrative

The NFL barely had time to process the breaking news: the Dolphins parted ways with a superstar, and the Broncos responded with stunning speed — almost as if they had been waiting for this exact moment. Exactly 24 hours later, Denver turned a rare opportunity into a bold declaration: 2026 will not be the year they sit back and watch other teams dominate the headlines. Tyreek Hill enters this new chapter with a résumé that speaks for itself — an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a Super Bowl champion, and one of the most explosive playmakers the league has ever seen. Even at this stage of his career, Hill remains the kind of receiver who forces defensive coordinators to completely adjust their schemes. One false step, one blown angle — and it’s over. For the Broncos, this move is like installing an emergency accelerator into their offense. The moment Hill lines up, safeties are forced to retreat, coverage shifts, and the entire field stretches open. His value isn’t defined solely by world-class speed. Hill brings playoff experience, composure under pressure, and a deep understanding of how big games unfold — qualities that can’t be measured by stats alone. Simply stepping onto the field, he commands the attention of the entire secondary, creating space for teammates and making every run play feel easier to execute. However, Hill’s 2026 storyline cannot be separated from the devastating setback he suffered in September 2025 during a Week 4 matchup against the Jets. On a reception in that game, Hill sustained a severe knee injury — a dislocation, a torn ACL, and multiple ligament damage — abruptly ending his season. It was the kind of moment that silenced the entire sideline. Everyone understood immediately: this wasn’t a minor injury with a quick return. It was the end of the year. The encouraging news for Denver is that Hill’s recovery has progressed positively. The Broncos’ swift decision to sign him signals their belief in his timeline to return for the 2026 season. Hill agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $45 million, including $28 million guaranteed — a clear statement of commitment from the organization. From Denver’s perspective, this is a calculated risk: accept the post-injury uncertainty in exchange for a weapon capable of reshaping how opponents defend them. For Hill, Denver represents a stage to rewrite his story after the fall of 2025 — not through words, but through performance. The AFC was already fiercely competitive. Now, there’s an added variable every defense must account for: how do you cover a receiver with game-breaking speed once he’s fully healthy again? If Hill returns on schedule, the Broncos aren’t just adding another star. They’re sending a warning — in 2026, Denver is ready to hit the gas from the very first snap.