Broncos' Evan Engram could have tight end competition amid trade rumors
The Denver Broncos are currently atop the AFC West, and their defense remains one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL through seven weeks. After two incredible wins over the
But, there's still room for improvement. The Broncos are 5-2, but still can add to their offense at the trade deadline. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are a strong running back duo, but the rest of their offense could see improvements.
Denver has been linked to wide receiver help ahead of the trade deadline, and now, the Broncos are reportedly interested in adding competition for Evan Engram in the tight end room.
Broncos eyeing tight end help at the trade deadline
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, "The Broncos are monitoring the tight end market."
Engram signed a two-year deal with the Broncos for $23 million, but if Denver wants, they could save some cap space if they move on from him after the 2025 season.
He's not locked into the team for a while, and with Courtland Sutton and others in the wide receiver room locked up for a few years, the tight end room is uncertain for the future.
So far this season, in six games, Engram has had 22 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. He's not incredibly involved in the offense, and with his future in Denver uncertain after 2025, adding a tight end for 2025 and beyond isn't out of the question.
Backing up Engram are Nate Adkins and Adam Trautman, two tight ends who aren't heavily involved in the offense. Adkins has six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Trautman has seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.
More: Broncos predicted to trade with Saints to reunite Sean Payton with his favorite joker
Denver eyeing tight end help could add competition for Engram in the receiving game, or it could even open up Engram to move to a more wide receiver-centric role as a big-slot, like he was at times for the
Looking around the NFL, there aren't a ton of tight end trade options who could be available. But, Baltimore Ravens' Mark Andrews, Tennessee Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo,
The Broncos, with Bo Nix and Sean Payton, have a chance to go on a deep playoff run, but they do need improved offensive personnel if they want to capitalize on this window.
With a stellar defense and strong offensive foundation, adding more weapons for Nix and Payton could make winning the AFC West a reality for the Broncos.
Russini reports the Broncos are monitoring the tight end trade market, which could add competition for Engram in one of the more uncertain position rooms on the Broncos.
Lions Get Bad News on Next Opponent’s Star Player
The Detroit Lions are locked in a tight race for supremacy in the NFC North, and could be facing a big challenge in their coming game against a division rival.
The Lions are in their bye week this weekend, a time they will use to rest and hopefully recover from some of the injuries that have been mounting, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But this week will also give the rival Minnesota Vikings the chance to get their starting quarterback ready for the matchup against the Lions next week.
Lions Expected to Face J.J. McCarthy in Next Week’s Game
As The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported, McCarthy is in position to return to his starting position next week against the Lions. McCarthy has missed the last five games with a high ankle sprain, but Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Friday that the second-year quarterback is making good progress toward his return.
“He got some work today and he will hopefully get some work throughout the early part of the week, which will lead him into a full week of preparation,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell added that McCarthy would spend the bye week getting back into rhythm and rebuilding a rapport with his wide receivers.
“For J.J., it’s going to be about the commitment that he’s made throughout his rehab of getting back to those concrete fundamentals and techniques that allow his feet and eyes to work together and find completions to any one of our five eligibles, whether it’s a receiver or T.J. (Hockenson) or even Aaron Jones or Jordan (Mason) or Zay (Zavier Scott) out of the backfield,” O’Connell said.
The Vikings struggled with veteran Carson Wentz under center. The ailing veteran completed 15-of-27 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, playing through some obvious pain.
The Vikings put a lot of faith in McCarthy, allowing veteran Sam Darnold to leave in free agency after he led the team to a 14-3 record last year following a season-ending injury for McCarthy. The second-year quarterback showed some promise in his start to 2025, but the high-ankle injury has raised new concerns about whether he might be too injury-prone.
Lions Could Get Some Help on the Injury Front
While the Lions will have to face McCarthy next week, they will also have some help on the way as their own players recover from injuries. Jimmy Liao of USA Today’s Lions Wire reported that Detroit will have several players returning over the coming weeks, including safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph next week, with cornerback Terrion Arnold and running back Sione Vaki returning the next week.
They will have more returns in the weeks that follow, including cornerback DJ Reed, defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
While the returns will help bolster a Lions defense that has now faced two years of mounting injuries, the team could also look to bring in outside help. Some insiders predict the Lions will seek defensive help at the trade deadline, boosting depth in their secondary or defensive line.
