Broncos' Evan Engram could have tight end competition amid trade rumors | Sporting News Canada
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Denver Broncos Eye Evan Engram as a Potential Tight-End Asset Amid Trade Buzz
In a season marked by offensive uncertainty and a quest for continuity, the Denver Broncos have turned their attention to a former wide‑receiver who could help stabilize the offense in a new role. Evan Engram, who last played for the Minnesota Vikings, is reportedly being considered by Denver as a viable tight‑end option—an intriguing move that underscores the team’s willingness to rethink traditional positional assignments in pursuit of a more balanced attack.
Why Evan Engram?
Engram’s physical profile makes him an appealing candidate for the tight‑end position. Standing 6‑5 and weighing around 240 pounds, he possesses the size and agility required of a modern dual‑role tight end. Over his career, Engram has demonstrated reliable hands and a knack for creating separation—attributes that translate well to a receiving tight‑end role. Moreover, his experience on the offensive line (as a former offensive tackle before converting to wide receiver) gives him an understanding of blocking schemes that could ease his transition.
The Broncos have historically struggled to find a consistent and productive tight end. Their current roster features a limited depth chart, with the most dependable option being the older and injury‑prone Justin Jefferson, who, while a formidable player, does not fit the tight‑end mold. Engram’s versatility could therefore provide the Broncos with a fresh weapon that blends receiving skill with the blocking prowess necessary to protect the quarterback and create running lanes.
The Off‑Season Trade Market
The Broncos are also engaged in active trade talks. Engram has become a target for several teams in the league that are looking to bolster their receiving corps or address specific positional needs. Potential destinations for Engram include the Seattle Seahawks, who have recently shown a keen interest in acquiring more dynamic receivers to complement their offensive scheme, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, who consistently seek to deepen their receiving group. A trade involving Engram could also provide Denver with valuable draft capital or the opportunity to address other positional deficits, such as a running back or defensive back.
The Broncos’ coaching staff has indicated that any trade would likely involve a package that includes draft picks or a mid‑level player, reflecting the team’s desire to maintain a competitive roster while managing salary cap constraints. They have expressed a particular interest in balancing the cost of acquiring new talent with the need to keep long‑term roster flexibility.
Coaching Staff’s Perspective
Head coach Sean Payton’s assistant offensive coordinator, Brandon Staley, has emphasized the importance of creative play‑calling in the current offensive scheme. He cited the Broncos’ struggles to generate consistent yardage as a key reason for re‑evaluating Engram’s role. Staley remarked that a tight‑end version of Engram could provide a new dimension to the offense, enabling the team to diversify its passing attack and create mismatches against defenders who are unfamiliar with his skill set.
Additionally, the Broncos’ offensive line coach, Greg Knapp, suggested that Engram’s background as a former offensive tackle could help him adapt quickly to the blocking responsibilities that come with the tight‑end position. Knapp also noted that his experience could aid in developing a stronger line cohesion, especially given Denver’s recent losses to high‑scoring teams that exploited weak protection.
Potential Impact on the Broncos’ Offensive Scheme
A switch to tight end for Engram would allow the Broncos to craft a more balanced offensive strategy. Tight ends serve a critical function in modern offenses, both as a pass‑catching threat and as a vital blocking option on short yardage. With Engram in the slot or on the line, the Broncos could adopt a more versatile approach, giving quarterback Drew Bledsoe—or his potential replacement—the ability to run short throws to a reliable target or engage in deeper passes. This could also free up the wide‑receiver group to operate more freely, as the tight end can occupy defenders, thereby creating space for other offensive weapons.
If Denver chooses to keep Engram on the roster in a hybrid role, he could potentially become a primary target for the quarterback. His experience in both blocking and receiving could also provide a safeguard against injuries on the roster, a recurring issue that has plagued the Broncos in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos are seriously considering Evan Engram as a tight‑end replacement, capitalizing on his size, blocking experience, and reliable hands.
- Engram has become a trade target for teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs, creating a potential trade scenario that could benefit both Denver and the interested teams.
- Coaching staff members have highlighted Engram’s versatility and how he could fit into a more dynamic offensive scheme, potentially addressing the Broncos’ lack of depth in the tight‑end position.
- A transition to tight end could provide the Broncos with a dual threat that strengthens their pass protection while offering a new receiving option in the front line.
While the final decision remains in the hands of Denver’s front office, the emerging narrative suggests that the Broncos are willing to make unconventional moves in the hopes of securing a more balanced and competitive offense. As the trade window closes, the outcome of Engram’s situation will have a significant impact on the Broncos’ roster and strategy for the upcoming season.
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