Denver Broncos 2024 Tight End Performance Review & Offseason Targets
The Denver Broncos' tight end group reportedly did not meet expectations in the previous season. Evan Engram, a significant addition, recorded just one touchdown during the entire season. Other tight ends on the roster, including Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, and Caleb Lohner, also had limited contributions due to factors such as injuries or very defined roles.
The tight end position stands out as a clear area for the Broncos to address during the offseason, following a season where contributions were largely limited.
Assessing Potential Free Agent Target: Isaiah Likely
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has been identified as a potential free agent target for the Broncos. Likely has played a contributing role in the Ravens' offense, even while positioned behind Mark Andrews on the depth chart. He is now entering free agency and may be seeking a larger role with a new team.
Likely's Profile:
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Age: 25 (turns 26 in April)
- Experience: Entering 5th NFL season
- Career Statistics (4 seasons): 135 receptions, 1,568 yards, 15 touchdowns
- Most Recent Season Stats: 27 receptions, 307 yards, 1 touchdown
The Case for Signing Likely
Likely's versatility is cited as a potential fit for the Broncos. He is capable of playing inline, blocking, and serving as a receiving threat from various alignments including the slot, outside, and even the backfield. This versatile skill set could allow him to replace Adam Trautman's role while simultaneously providing an upgrade in the passing game.
If Evan Engram remains with the team, Likely and Engram could form a dynamic dual-threat receiving tight end tandem. This pairing could potentially allow the Broncos to draft and develop another tight end behind them. Furthermore, the article suggests that Likely could be a cost-effective acquisition, given that his career statistics have not exceeded 500 receiving yards or 42 receptions in a single season, and he has 26 career starts.
Likely's multi-faceted skill set could offer the Broncos a significant upgrade in the passing game while providing flexibility across various offensive alignments.
Considerations Against Signing Likely
Arguments against signing Likely primarily include the potential preference for a traditional inline blocking tight end, especially if Evan Engram remains with the team. While Likely is noted as a willing blocker, he may not fully fit the profile of a blocking specialist that coach Sean Payton might prioritize.
There is also the factor of Likely's stated desire for a larger role, which might create a conflict with Engram's established presence on the roster. Alternative strategies for the Broncos could involve signing a traditional inline blocker, drafting a new tight end, or continuing the development of current roster players like Caleb Lohner.
The primary consideration against signing Likely hinges on the team's potential need for a traditional inline blocking tight end, a role he may not fully embody despite being a willing blocker.
Concluding Assessment
The decision on signing Isaiah Likely ultimately depends on several factors. These include the status of Evan Engram and the team's specific preference for a tight end's primary role. If Engram continues in a dedicated pass-catching role, Likely's fit may be less direct, particularly if the team prioritizes a traditional inline blocking tight end. The possibility of the Broncos seeking a blocking specialist, re-signing Adam Trautman, drafting a new tight end, or developing current roster players like Caleb Lohner are all being considered. The Broncos' strategic direction for the tight end position will heavily influence their pursuit of Likely.