2016 is the most-important season of Cody Latimer’s life

With Emmanuel Sanders‘ contract negations already underway, Cody Latimer needs to impress this offseason to lock down a position on the Broncos for the long term. If he doesn’t, he could find himself shopping for a new NFL team before his rookie contract is up.

“There is no doubt that this is the biggest season for him by far with the Broncos and potentially in the NFL,” said Zac Stevens, Denver Broncos beat writer for Mile High Sports, on the Weekend Drive with Sean Walsh on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7.

Over the last two years, Latimer has looked poised to contribute during OTAs and training camp, but when fans filed into the stadium and the season began, he forgot to show up.

“When the season comes around, whether it was that he wasn’t on the same page as Peyton Manning or that the coaches didn’t like what he did in games, he hasn’t been there,” said Stevens. “So this training camp, I’m sure he’s going to star again, but it’s really going to come down to the preseason games, how he’s looking with the quarterback and what he does in the season.”

Latimer will be in a tight battle with Bennie Fowler for the third receiving spot in 2016. Fowler, a rookie last season, has already doubled Latimer’s career receptions mark (Latimer has eight receptions in two years while Fowler had 16 last season). Both guys have almost identical body types — 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds — so it will come down to who can run routes with the most precision and finesse, and who has the best understanding of the playbook.

“Latimer could be the man to step up next year for Emmanuel Sanders if they don’t get a deal worked out next year and be a great No. 2,” Stevens said. “Or he could not make the team next year.”

The pressure is on for Latimer and the rest of the Broncos this season, but unlike the rest of team, Latimer isn’t trying to repeat success; he’s trying to discover it.

Check out the rest of the conversation below, where Zac Stevens talks about the Von Miller‘s contract negations, Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas.

Catch the Weekend Drive with Sean Walsh Saturday and Sunday from 2p-4p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.