The Denver Broncos could revisit the tight end market before the 2026 season after Evan Engram failed to deliver the impact the team expected. One NFL analyst believes that disappointment could create an opening for another veteran.

CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo recently identified free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith as a strong fit for head coach Sean Payton's offense, citing his ability to create yards after the catch.

"Smith's skill set also meshes with Sean Payton's offense, which gives pass-catchers a chance to make plays after the catch," wrote DeArdo.

Last season, Engram played in 16 games, starting two, recording 50 receptions for 461 yards and one touchdown.

Denver expected more from Evan Engram, but it never fully clicked, as per Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports. TE Adam Trautman has provided depth, though the position still lacks a consistent playmaker.

Smith is coming off a modest season with the Steelers, finishing with 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Even so, his track record gives the Broncos something to consider.

In 2024, he enjoyed the best season of his career with the Dolphins, recording 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. While last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

Across nine NFL seasons, the 30-year-old has accumulated 345 receptions, 3,529 receiving yards, and 30 touchdowns. His versatility as both a receiver and blocker could be crucial for Payton. 

While Smith has emerged as a potential short-term solution, ESPN believes Denver may also have a long-term opportunity to strengthen the position in the future.

Tucker Kraft could become Denver's long-term target

If Denver doesn't find a long-term answer through a veteran such as Jonnu Smith, the Broncos could revisit the position again when Tucker Kraft becomes a free agent in 2027.

ESPN's Matt Bowen recently ranked Tucker Kraft among the leading free-agent tight ends.

"Kraft was amid a breakout season in 2025 before an ACL injury in Week 9. At that point, he had 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns," Bowen wrote. 

Bowen also pointed to Kraft's physical profile, noting that the 6-foot-5, 259-pound tight end is "a physical target in the route tree who can rumble after the catch," as per Bowen.

Tight end has remained an unsettled position in Denver for years. The Broncos have not had a Pro Bowl player there since Julius Thomas in 2014. On the other hand, recent draft investments have yet to provide lasting answers.

Whether the Broncos pursue Jonnu Smith before the season or eventually target a younger option like Tucker Kraft, the search for a consistent playmaker at tight end appears far from over.

Do you think Jonnu Smith will be a right fit for the Denver Broncos? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Denver Broncos Community

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey