Despite signing Evan Engram in free agency, the Denver Broncos are continually seen as a team that needs more help at the tight end position. Would they really get one of their divisional counterparts to make a trade with them though?
In a recent trade proposal put together by Daniel Arwas of Athlon Sports, the Broncos send 2026 fifth and seventh-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Michael Mayer, the Raiders' second-round pick in 2023. Mayer's career has gotten off to a slow start and he is now behind Brock Bowers, last year's rookie sensation, who might be the best tight end in the NFL.
But Mayer, still just 23 years old, has plenty of time to regain his footing in the league and make a big impact. Could that be in Denver?
"A fifth and a seventh would be reasonable re-compensation for a player who has just 460 receiving yards in two seasons. And on the other end, Mayer is still a player with undeniable talent, who many thought would be a first round pick in 2023. An offensive guru like Sean Payton would no double be able to make the most out of him and could turn him into a dangerous weapon for Bo Nix", wrote Arwas.
That all makes sense, but after signing Engram, the Broncos don't seem to be placing a huge focus on adding another tight end, instead taking a flier on a basketball player in the seventh round of last week's draft. There is also the matter of a trade taking place within the division, something that is rare in the NFL. If the Raiders are looking to move Mayer, Denver could be one of the last places they want to send him.
In addition to Engram and Caleb Lohner, the Broncos have Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull and Thomas Yassmin as the other tight ends on the current roster. Mayer would be an interesting edition as his potential is completely untapped, but a trade to Denver seems unlikely.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
John Elway's agent, business partner dies after accident involving HOF quarterback
Broncos predicted to trade for former second-round tight end following NFL Draft
Broncos chosen as team with one of 2025 NFL Draft's biggest reaches
Denver Broncos consensus 2025 NFL Draft Grades: What do the experts think?
Disturbing injury report emerges about new Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw