1. How does Boston respond after an 0-2 start?
Broncos ‘Monitoring’ Situation for Noteworthy Upgrade Before Trade Deadline
Posted October 26, 2025
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
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.
Three big questions as Celtics look for their first win in Detroit
Two games into the season, the Celtics are still looking for their first win. Granted, their two opponents — Philadelphia and New York — have high postseason ambitions, but that’s beside the point. Against the 76ers, Boston blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead. On Friday night against the Knicks, New York jumped out to a 20-point halftime advantage and held on despite a late Celtics rally.
Now Boston travels to Detroit to take on the 1-1 Pistons, who defeated the Houston Rockets on Friday night and this game already feels like a must-win.
It was always going to be an adjustment for the Celtics to find a new identity without Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, but they need to find ways to grind out wins while still figuring out who they are.
This matchup is a perfect test against another young team with playoff aspirations — and one with enough firepower to punish Boston if the Celtics aren’t fully locked in.
2. Hugo time?
The rookie didn’t play in the home opener against the 76ers. However, Hugo González logged 23 minutes against the Knicks and looked the part — especially on the defensive end. González even got a shoutout from Amazon Prime’s Stan Van Gundy during the broadcast.
“I’ve got a man crush on Hugo González,” Van Gundy said.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks to shoot against Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Getty Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics grabs a rebound ahead of Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Getty Images
It was easy to see why. González made plays that brought back memories of Marcus Smart — the kind of hustle plays that don’t show up on the box score. He has a long way to go before reaching Smart’s level, but in his 23 minutes of action, he didn’t disappoint.
Standing 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, González has the potential to become a lockdown defender. He guarded both guards and bigs, even stripping the ball from former Celtic Guerschon Yabusele in the second half.
If head coach Joe Mazzulla wants players competing at 100 percent, González nailed his audition. And with a tough, physical guard up next in Cade Cunningham, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mazzulla test his rookie with that assignment.
3. Who will win the White vs. Cunningham dual?
One of the best individual matchups in last year’s meetings between the Celtics and Pistons came between Cade Cunningham and Derrick White.
In Detroit, White denied Cunningham at the rim twice — including a game-saving block late in the fourth quarter.
Cunningham got one back earlier in the game with a first-half poster dunk over White.
After the game White spoke about the block and being dunked on:
“He dunked on me earlier in the game, so I felt like I had to get some revenge on that one,” White said.
When the two teams met again in Boston, Cunningham once again rose up and dunked over White.
This duel remains a key storyline. Cunningham is Detroit’s best player, while White is Boston’s second-best player and top defender. If White can limit Cunningham — which is easier said than done — Boston will have a strong chance to grab its first win of the season on the road.
