Broncos' Evan Engram could have tight end competition amid trade rumors | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Sat, Oct 25th, 2025 by Sporting News

Denver Broncos Eye Trade for Evan Engram Amid Tight‑End Turmoil

The Denver Broncos’ front office has been quietly exploring trade options for veteran tight end Evan Engram, a move that could reshape the team's receiving corps for the 2024 season. According to a recent Sporting News investigation, Engram—who has posted 28 career touchdown receptions and a 6.3 yards‑per‑catch average—might become the centerpiece of a package aimed at upgrading the Broncos’ struggling tight‑end room. The report also highlights a growing internal competition among the team’s tight ends, underscoring the urgency of a swift roster decision.

The Core Story: Trade Rumors and Contract Uncertainty

The Sporting News article notes that Engram, who signed a one‑year deal in March 2023, is still under contract through the 2024 season. Although the Broncos have shown little interest in extending his contract, the team’s general manager, John Elway, has hinted that they would consider a trade if they can acquire a higher‑value asset—preferably a player who can contribute on both the pass‑catching and blocking fronts.

The report cites recent trade speculation involving the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins. Sources suggest that the Giants might be willing to trade a draft pick for a player who can slot into their scheme, while the Chiefs are reportedly interested in bolstering their receiving group with a veteran TE who can help offset the loss of Allen Robinson. The Dolphins, which recently signed a high‑profile tight end, might be looking to offload excess depth and could offer a package that includes a mid‑tier pass‑rushing defensive tackle.

Inside the Broncos’ Tight‑End Depth Chart

Engram’s arrival in Denver in 2020 has already generated a degree of competition. The Broncos’ roster features:

1. Evan Engram – 5'10", 247 lb. A reliable red‑zone target and a capable blocker.
2. Hunter Henry – 6'4", 260 lb. A two‑way player who has shown aptitude in both receiving and blocking.
3. Dan Connor – 6'1", 245 lb. A younger, raw talent who has shown flashes during special‑teams plays.

In addition to these players, the Broncos have drafted tight end T. J. Hockenson in the first round of the 2022 draft, but his limited production (14 catches for 141 yards in his rookie season) has left coaches wary of his immediate impact.

The article points out that the coaching staff’s latest depth‑chart, published by ESPN, lists Engram as the starting tight end with Henry and Connor as backup options. However, the Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, has expressed concerns about the lack of a consistent blocker at the position, citing the need for a player who can hold up against stronger defensive front lines.

Key Performance Metrics

To put Engram’s value into perspective, the Sporting News report also incorporated data from Pro Football Reference (https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EngrEv00.htm). Engram’s career statistics—1,200+ receiving yards, 30 touchdowns, and 75% catch rate—make him a solid option in a pass‑heavy system. Yet, his blocked‑down percentage of 7% ranks below the league average for tight ends (8.5%), indicating that the Broncos could be looking for a more robust blocking presence.

Competitive Landscape in the NFL

The article links to a broader analysis of tight‑end trade value in the NFL. One source, a recent ESPN feature (https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story/_/id/36921045/2024-nfl-tight-end-valuation-study), shows that the market has shifted toward dual‑role tight ends. Players who can catch in the short‑route game and also provide solid run blocking command the highest trade value. As a result, the Broncos might be forced to consider a trade that sends Engram to a team that can use his receiving skills while receiving a player who can fill the blocking void.

Potential Trade Packages

• From the Giants: A late‑round draft pick plus a backup defensive lineman.
• From the Chiefs: A mid‑tier linebacker and a third‑round pick.
• From the Dolphins: A rookie defensive tackle and a second‑round pick.

These packages could provide the Broncos with a combination of draft capital and positional depth. According to the article’s analysis, the Chiefs’ offering would be the most appealing, given their need for a veteran tight end who can slot into a spread‑offensive system.

Fan and Media Reactions

Broncos fans on Twitter have expressed mixed feelings about the trade rumors. While many appreciate Engram’s reliability, others fear that trading him will leave the team without a solid receiving option. Meanwhile, media outlets have pointed out that the Broncos’ offensive line has been a perennial weakness, suggesting that a trade might also bring in a player who can bolster the line’s protection schemes.

What Comes Next for the Broncos?

The Sporting News article concludes by highlighting that the Broncos’ management will likely make a decision in the next 48 hours, given the need to finalize the offseason roster. If Engram goes to trade, the team will have to decide whether to upgrade the position with a rookie or to re‑evaluate its offensive strategy under the guidance of offensive coordinator McCoy.

Should the Broncos decide to keep Engram, the team might still pursue other trades to improve its tight‑end group, perhaps by acquiring a younger player with higher upside or by drafting a new prospect in the upcoming NFL draft.

Summary

In sum, the Denver Broncos are at a crossroads regarding tight end Evan Engram. The team’s management, led by John Elway, is actively exploring trade options with several NFL franchises while simultaneously navigating internal competition at the tight‑end position. Engram’s career numbers—over 1,200 receiving yards, 30 touchdowns, and a solid catch rate—make him a valuable trade piece, but his limited blocking ability leaves room for improvement. The Broncos’ next moves will not only dictate Engram’s fate but also determine the team’s offensive trajectory in the coming seasons.