Broncos Free Agency Primer: Two Tiers of TE Options
The Denver Broncos will likely be selective in free agency in 2024, after having spent a lot in 2023. The Broncos' current cap issues mean that the team must get that situation in order first, which means it's likely they sit out the first wave of free agency.
But it's still a good idea for Broncos fans to get familiar with the pending unrestricted free agents at each position. We're going to examine the most notable free agents over the coming weeks.
With each installment, we'll look at who would be the top free agents at each position, and then look at the best options after that. We'll wrap up with other notable names, then consider who the Broncos are most likely in a position to pursue.
In this installment, we'll look at tight ends, a position at which there is a possibility the Broncos could seek an upgrade.
Top three options: Hunter Henry, Dalton Schultz, Noah Fant
Henry didn't have his best season in 2023 and will turn 30 years old this coming season. While he's not necessarily a player in decline, he's not a game-changer.
Schultz did reasonably well on a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, though the Texans may try to keep him. Broncos fans will remember Fant, who had a disappointing 2023 season and didn't score a touchdown.
As you can see, the best three options are not impact players by any means. Perhaps Schultz could provide an upgrade over the Broncos' current roster, but the Texans would be in a better position to keep him if that's what they want to do.
Next in line: Gerald Everett, Austin Hooper, MIke Gesicki, Adam Trautman
This year's free agent field for tight ends is weak overall, with these players among the ones that have shown promise at times but never really broke out.
Everett has spent seven years in the league and never scored more than four touchdowns in a single season. Hooper had quality 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons but hasn't reached that level since.
Geisicki was a disappointment for the New England Patriots in 2023 and likely taking another one-year deal. Trautman came over to the Broncos from the New Orleans Saints, who didn't tender him as a restricted free agent in 2023 and was decent but not a standout.
It wouldn't surprise if the Broncos did bring Trautman back on another one-year deal, though there is a possibility they look at other options. However, don't expect to find a long-term fix here.
The Broncos certainly shouldn't rule out a veteran tight end, but it's not a position they should overvalue in free agency. The available options simply aren't players who will provide an immediate impact.
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