The Denver Broncos are actively searching for tight end help. The Broncos put in waiver claims for Brendan Bates and Ben Sims, but they were awarded to the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings, because those clubs were higher in the waiver wire priority than Denver. They also worked out 41-year-old free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis and signed him to their practice squad in a move that highlights their desperation.
Alternatively, the Broncos could consider acquiring a tight end via trade before the upcoming NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4). The failed waiver wire moves could force general manager George Paton to engage in discussions. Various struggling teams will be sellers at the deadline.
Evan Engram hasn't been a solution. Acquiring a tight end would make Bo Nix and Sean Payton's offense more dangerous, so we've identified three potential trade targets.
Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are aggressive sellers. They are tied for the NFL's worst record at 1-7 and are in contention for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. They want draft capital to continue rebuilding around Cam Ward. They've already traded cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee and Roger McCreary for draft-pick swaps.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo could be available. The former Maryland standout is on an expiring contract and was acquired two regimes ago. New decision makers Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker are purging the roster holdovers as they rebuild the team in their vision. Okonkwo has already produced 27 receptions for 271 receiving yards on a bad offense, and is on track for career-best numbers.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders exit their Week 8 bye at a hopeless 2-5. John Spytek and Pete Carroll didn't set out to rebuild the roster this past offseason, but they must acknowledge they're nowhere near being postseason contenders. A true teardown that prioritizes acquiring draft capital is required.
Superstar tight end Brock Bowers is nearing a return from injury. Meanwhile, Michael Mayer is a holdover from the previous regime and is slated to enter a contract year next season. The Raiders have previously rejected trade interest in Mayer, but the situation should be revisited given their current standing. The Broncos should place a call to their division rivals.
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
David Njoku is the most proven, productive tight end potentially available for trade near the deadline. A four-year, $56.75 million contract extension Njoku signed after being franchise tagged in 2022 is set to void this coming offseason. The Cleveland Browns are 2-6 and should have no qualms about moving the seasoned pass catcher for draft-pick compensation.
Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. leads the Browns in receiving yards (352) and touchdowns (2, tied with Njoku and Cedric Tillman). Fannin Jr. is the future solution for a rebuilding Browns offense at the position. The Browns are currently at No. 4 overall in the live 2026 NFL Draft order. Having more selections at their disposal would be helpful in case they prefer to move up for a quarterback.
