Payton Dismisses Spy Theory Following Mustipher Acquisition
When the Denver Broncos recently signed center Sam Mustipher from the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, speculation ran rampant. Some fans and analysts quickly theorized that this move was aimed at gaining an edge over the Chargers ahead of their crucial regular-season finale. Broncos head coach Sean Payton, however, was quick to dispel such notions.
“Look, don’t read anything into it,” Payton stated during a press conference. “We were discussing it, the injury to center Luke Wattenberg. So the coincidence is that it’s from Los Angeles and it’s not this, ‘Oh we’re going to get all of this information.’ This was about having, for this stretch run, another experienced center.”
Mustipher’s Journey in the NFL
Sam Mustipher, 29, entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has since carved out a notable career. He began with the Chicago Bears, where he spent four seasons before making a brief stop with the Baltimore Ravens. A short stint with the Broncos occurred in 2024, followed by various practice-squad assignments.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 306 pounds, Mustipher has participated in 64 games throughout his career, starting 43 of them—40 with the Bears, two with the Ravens, and one with the Chargers, a team he rejoined on October 2. A scouting report from 2019 highlights his agility and intelligence on the field. It notes, “Somehow snubbed by NFL Combine invite, Mustipher is an experienced, smart, and agile center that dependably anchored one of the best offensive lines in college the last few years.”
It emphasizes his need for a zone-heavy scheme to thrive at the professional level, suggesting that if he lands with such a team, he could likely start from day one. His ability to navigate both inside and outside zones makes him a reliable asset, particularly when paired with competent support against stronger defensive linemen.
Role with the Broncos
In his new role, Mustipher is expected to serve as a backup for Alex Forsyth, who is filling in for the injured Wattenberg. With a pivotal game against his former team set for Sunday, the Broncos aim to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win at Empower Field at Mile High.
Forsyth’s Standout Performance
Forsyth’s performance in the Broncos’ 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night further bolstered the team’s confidence. Despite being thrust into a challenging situation, he managed to allow no pressures or quarterback sacks across 72 offensive snaps. His contribution was crucial in facilitating a ground game that accumulated 128 rushing yards.
Following the game, Forsyth was awarded a game ball, an accolade Payton deemed well-deserved. “He played well. I gave him the game ball not having seen the tape. Then watching the tape and just seeing… It was fitting,” Payton remarked on Wednesday, underscoring the importance of Forsyth’s performance during a critical juncture in the season.
