The Denver Broncos could surprise everyone by the time the trade deadline passes. A new report suggests that it is not the wide receiver position, but the tight end spot, that could be targeted.
The Broncos, of course, signed two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract in free agency this past offseason.
And yet, the Broncos could be back exploring the market with the deadline nearing.
Broncos Open to TE Trade Before Deadline
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos are 5-2 and riding a four-game winning streak. However, the Broncos’ 11th-ranked offense, which is sixth in red zone efficiency, is also 17th in scoring entering Sunday’s slate of games in Week 8.
Denver also ranks 23rd in third-down conversion rate.
“The Broncos are monitoring the tight end market,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on October 25.
How exactly the Broncos expect a new tight end to contribute in ways that Engram or their other current group cannot remains unclear. The entire group of Broncos tight ends has combined for 37 receptions, 300 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
Engram leads the way with a 22-179-1 line on 33 targets.
The Broncos’ trio of Adam Trautman (7-58-1), Nate Adkins (6-48-1), and Lucas Krull (2-15-0) has received 21 total targets.
Engram is far more of a receiving threat than a blocker. So, the Broncos could be in the market for an upgrade over Trautman, Adkins, or Krull, who are all more traditional tight ends. Adkins also moonlights as a fullback.
Without any targets named, the Broncos could still take this in any number of ways.
Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson
GettyT.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Broncos’ need for a tight end was well-documented during this past offseason, and there were concerns that Engram would not exactly live up to expectations in that regard. Still, the Broncos have the capital to make a splash move, though there will be hurdles to clear.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade pitch would land Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson.
Broncos get:
- T.J. Hockenson
Vikings get:
- 2026 third-round draft pick
Hockenson, 28, was the No. 8 overall pick of the 2019 draft. He logged four consecutive seasons with at least 61 receptions, 583 yards, and 4 touchdowns from 2020 through 2023, earning two Pro Bowl trips in the process.
He also logged back-to-back seasons with over 80 grabs, 900 receiving yards, and 120 targets.
Hockenson has 27 receptions for 222 yards and 1 touchdown for the 3-4 Vikings this season, and he is signed through 2027 on a four-year, $66 million contract.
Bo Nix Wants Broncos to Feature Evan Engram More
GettyBo Nix #10 and Evan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos celebrate a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Notably, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been a staunch supporter of Engram’s, expressing a desire to see the veteran utilized more in Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s offense.
“It’s really good for our offense,” Nix told reporters after the Broncos’ win over the New York Jets in Week 6 in London on October 12. “He makes those big plays. That’s why we acquired him. That’s what we felt confident that he could bring to our team.
Engram battled a calf injury earlier in the season and missed one game with a back issue.
However, Nix made it clear he wants more from Engram. The Broncos could do themselves and their QB a favor by adding another playmaking tight end before the trade deadline.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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