The Denver Broncos could be one of the most aggressive buyers at the NFL Trade Deadline, as they’re one of the top teams in the AFC heading into Week 8. With one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Broncos will be looking to give Bo Nix more weapons on offense. Having a surplus of picks to work with, will George Paton go all in for another playmaker?
Broncos Interested In Star Tight End
Earlier today, Dianna Russini of The Athletic put out a report that the Broncos were among the teams that were monitoring the tight end market. Evan Engram has gotten off to a slow start so far, having a total of 179 receiving yards and just 1 touchdown. Engram is a threat in the passing game, but isn’t a great blocking tight end in the running game. Denver could be looking for an inline blocker given their suspect tight end blocking in their run-heavy scheme. The two top names on the market were Ravens Tight End Mark Andrews and Browns Tight End David Njoku.
A new trade target emerged later in the evening, and that is Minnesota Vikings Tight End T.J. Hockenson. Minnesota has lost three of its last four games and was blown out by the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. With the Vikings falling fast, they could look to move on from some players at the trade deadline. Hockenson will make $15 million and $17 million in 2026 and 2027, so the Vikings could save a bunch of money. Polymarket Football reported that the Vikings are fielding trade calls for Hockenson, with the Rams and Broncos being teams with interest.
Hockenson Is a Perfect Fit
The Broncos need to find a way to establish the run game every week, and Hockenson checks two boxes if they were to acquire him. He is an excellent blocker in the running game and would give Denver another threat in the passing game to pair alongside Evan Engram. Sean Payton’s scheme thrives on the running game, and getting a blocking tight end would solve a huge issue.
Denver can also afford the back end of Hockenson’s contract because Nix will still be on a cheap deal for the next two seasons. It has also been reported that the Broncos are one of the top teams that are targeting a wide receiver heading into the Deadline, and could add another playmaker if they get Hockenson. It wouldn’t be a steep price either, only costing a late pick on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
