Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (82)
Denver Broncos’ Tight End Woes Highlight Offseason Priorities
The Denver Broncos‘ 2024 season had its share of frustrations, but perhaps none more glaring than the lack of production from the tight end position. While there were occasional flashes of brilliance, like one-handed touchdown grabs, the tight end group was largely an afterthought in a season dominated by discussions of the team’s anemic rushing attack and its ripple effects on quarterback Bo Nix and the rest of the offense.
Broncos insider Joe Mahoney shed light on just how dismal the tight end production was in 2024 with a post on X (formerly Twitter). The statistics paint a bleak picture:
- Targets: 30th in the NFL
- Receptions: 30th
- Catch Percentage: 22nd
- Receiving Yards: 30th
- Receiving Touchdowns: Tied for 13th
- First Downs: Dead Last
While it’s worth noting that the group only recorded one drop all season — tied for the league lead among tight end rooms — the overall lack of impact was staggering. Outside of Adam Trautman’s knack for finding the end zone, the tight end room offered little to help the offense sustain drives or create mismatches in the passing game.
Addressing the Tight End Conundrum
These grim numbers thrust tight end into the conversation as one of the Broncos’ biggest positional needs heading into the 2025 offseason, rivaling the need for a more dynamic running game. The Broncos are now faced with a critical decision: how to upgrade a tight end group that ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every major category.
Finding an immediate solution at tight end could prove challenging. The 2025 NFL Draft offers a few intriguing prospects, but elite tight ends are rarely plentiful in free agency. Conversely, the running back draft class appears to be deeper, presenting an opportunity for the Broncos to address that position more effectively in April.
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The Big Picture
Bo Nix’s first season as the Broncos’ starting quarterback was plagued by a lack of balance on offense. Without a reliable running game or consistent production from the tight end position, the Broncos’ offense struggled to find its rhythm for extended stretches. Fixing both of these areas will be crucial for Denver to take the next step in 2025.
The Broncos’ front office will need to be strategic this offseason, weighing the importance of adding a dependable tight end against other pressing needs. Whether they target the draft, free agency, or both, it’s clear that the tight end position is a priority that can no longer be ignored.
As Denver aims to build a more complete offense, Broncos fans will be hoping for significant upgrades that ensure tight end production becomes a strength rather than a glaring weakness in 2025.
