Broncos Re-sign Adam Trautman: Exploring Future of Tight End Position
The Broncos have made a significant move to solidify their tight end position by re-signing Adam Trautman to a two-year deal. This decision comes after the team released veteran tight end Chris Manhertz and expressed their desire to upgrade the position. Trautman, who has the ability to contribute in both the run and pass games, was a priority among Denver’s in-house free agents.
Trautman’s familiarity with head coach Sean Payton’s offense goes back to his days playing for the New Orleans Saints. He was a third-round pick in 2020 and played under Payton for two seasons. The Broncos then acquired Trautman in a trade during last year’s draft. Despite missing most of the season with hamstring injuries, Trautman emerged as Denver’s top pass-catching tight end, finishing with 22 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns. These numbers were team-high marks among Denver’s tight ends, highlighting the team’s need to improve the position.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Broncos are expected to target a tight end in the upcoming draft. With the No. 12 pick, they could potentially select Georgia standout Brock Bowers. The team also has hopes for Greg Dulcich and Lucas Krull, both third-year players, to become reliable producers in the passing game. However, given their struggles last season, it is clear that Denver needs to add another weapon to its offense.
Regardless of whether the Broncos land a new tight end in the draft or not, Trautman will play an important role as the veteran leader in the room. Last season, he played only 4 percent of Denver’s special teams snaps due to the team’s lack of depth at the position. However, in previous seasons, he has been a key contributor on special teams and could fill that role again this year.
A fun fact about Trautman is that when he was drafted by the Saints in 2020, he became the first player from Dayton to be drafted into the NFL since 1977. This highlights his unique journey to the professional level and adds to his value as a player.
In terms of salary cap, the Broncos still have significant room to work with after signing Trautman. They entered free agency with approximately $46 million in cap space and have made modest signings, allowing them flexibility in future moves. They could potentially use a portion of their cap space to absorb a chunk of quarterback Russell Wilson’s dead-money figure. This would free up even more space for the team.
Overall, while Trautman’s signing may not drastically change the Broncos’ outlook in the AFC West, it indicates that he is a player the team values and wants around for their future contention plans. If Denver can find a reliable answer at quarterback, they could realistically make a charge into contention as early as 2025.
In conclusion, the Broncos’ re-signing of Adam Trautman is a significant move that addresses their need for a solid tight end. Trautman’s familiarity with Sean Payton’s offense and his versatility make him an asset to the team. Whether the Broncos target a tight end in the draft or not, Trautman will play an important role as the veteran leader in the tight end room. With ample cap space and the possibility of finding a franchise quarterback, Denver’s future looks promising.