Broncos Urged to Move On From Sean Payton’s Longtime Veteran

The Denver Broncos could be facing an important decision at tight end as free agency approaches. One analyst believes the team should be willing to move on from a familiar face.

In a recent column for Sports Illustrated’s Broncos coverage, analyst Chad Jensen argued that Denver should allow veteran tight end Adam Trautman to walk in free agency rather than committing additional money to the position.

Jensen wrote bluntly that the Broncos “need to let him hit the bricks and allow some other team to pay him.” He suggests the team should pursue upgrades instead of bringing the veteran back.

Trautman has been part of Sean Payton’s roster reshaping in Denver since arriving via trade from the New Orleans Saints. The two share a long history dating back to Trautman’s early NFL years in New Orleans. But despite the familiarity and leadership Trautman brings to the locker room, Jensen believes the Broncos have reached a point where they should look elsewhere for improvement.

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Broncos Still Searching for Complete Tight End

One of the central points of Jensen’s argument is that Denver still lacks a true all-around tight end who can consistently impact both the run game and the passing game.

While Evan Engram has shown flashes, he has often been inconsistent. His role is more aligned with a receiving option rather than a complete tight end. That leaves Denver without a traditional in-line option who can handle blocking duties while also contributing as a receiving threat.

Trautman filled that role in Denver’s offense, but Jensen argued the production has not matched what the Broncos need moving forward. Last season, Trautman recorded 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown. According to Jensen, the veteran’s blocking has also failed to consistently stand out on film despite positive comments from Payton about his contributions.

Even so, Jensen acknowledged Trautman has brought leadership and stability to the locker room since arriving in Denver. Those qualities helped Payton establish the culture he wanted early in his tenure with the franchise.

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Possible Broncos Replacements Already Emerging

If the Broncos do allow Trautman to leave in free agency, Jensen believes there are several potential avenues the team could pursue to upgrade the position.

One option could come on the veteran market. Jensen highlighted Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton as a potential target who could provide stronger in line blocking while still contributing as a receiver. Cleveland’s David Njoku was also mentioned as a higher priced but intriguing possibility given his development as both a pass catcher and blocker.

Denver could also look toward the 2026 NFL Draft to address the need. Prospects such as Stanford’s Sam Roush, Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher, and Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek were cited as mid to late round options who could eventually fill the role.

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