The Broncos are taking big swings at tight end, and the latest one went nowhere fast.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Denver reached out to the Cardinals about Trey McBride, only to get shut down quickly. It was an aggressive call from general manager George Paton, and it fits with Sean Payton’s clear interest in upgrading a position that has not given the Broncos enough juice.
McBride would have been the kind of move that changes the conversation in Denver. He’s coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, added a first-team All-Pro honor for his monster 2025 campaign, and he leads all players this season with 66 catches.
Arizona, though, has no reason to entertain the idea. He’s on a long-term deal and looks like a centerpiece of the Cardinals’ rebuild alongside No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love.
If McBride was a long shot, Dallas Goedert looks more realistic. 94WIP’s Eliot Shorr-Parks says Denver has had interest in the Eagles tight end before, and Philadelphia may be open for business as the trade deadline approaches with its season sliding. Goedert is 31 and still putting up his usual production, averaging about four receptions and 43 yards per game.
Those numbers don’t put him in the elite tier at the position, but they would be a major upgrade in Denver. In fact, his production is better than what the Broncos’ entire tight end room has given them combined. That includes Evan Engram, who has not come close to matching Goedert’s output.
The financial piece also works in Denver’s favor. Goedert is due a veteran-minimum salary for the rest of the season, a number the Broncos can easily fit.
The bigger question is what Philadelphia would want back. A Day 2 pick would sting, but the Eagles could settle for a fourth- or fifth-rounder from a Broncos team that is likely to be drafting in the back half of the round.
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