Why Kyle Pitts Could Be the Playmaker the Broncos’ Offense Has Been Missing
The Denver Broncos' tight end room was supposed to take a leap last season. Instead, it barely got off the ground.
Veteran Evan Engram was brought in with high hopes. Head coach Sean Payton envisioned him as a versatile chess piece - his “Joker” - capable of creating mismatches all over the field.
But that vision never materialized. Engram finished the season with just one touchdown and few moments that truly moved the needle.
It wasn’t just a quiet year - it was a missed opportunity.
Behind him, the depth chart didn’t offer much relief. Adam Trautman handled most of the starting snaps, contributing primarily as a blocker, but his impact in the passing game was minimal. Injuries further thinned the group, with Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull sidelined for much of the year, and rookie Caleb Lohner spending the season on the practice squad.
Bottom line: the Broncos’ tight end production was among the least effective in the league - again. And heading into this offseason, it’s a position that demands attention.
A Name to Watch: Kyle Pitts
If the Broncos are serious about upgrading the position - and they should be - one name stands out among potential targets: Kyle Pitts.
The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft came into the league with sky-high expectations. And while his early seasons didn’t quite live up to the hype, this past year looked a lot more like the breakout many had been waiting for.
Pitts posted 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 - all career highs. He was finally used as the dynamic threat he was projected to be coming out of college, and the results speak for themselves. When you strip away the weight of draft-day expectations and just look at the production, Pitts has quietly built a strong résumé: 284 career catches, 3,579 yards, and 15 touchdowns.
That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of output most teams would love to have at tight end. And for a Broncos offense that’s been starving for consistent playmaking from the position, Pitts would be a massive upgrade.
Why Pitts Makes Sense in Denver
Let’s talk fit. Pitts is 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and moves like a wide receiver.
He’s a matchup nightmare - too fast for linebackers, too big for corners. He can line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide.
That kind of versatility is exactly what Sean Payton looks for in his “Joker” role - a player who can tilt the field and force defenses to adjust.
And with a young quarterback like Bo Nix stepping into the spotlight, surrounding him with reliable, explosive weapons is critical. Pitts gives Nix a big target with a wide catch radius, strong hands, and the ability to create after the catch. He’s the kind of player who can be a security blanket on third down and a red zone threat - something the Broncos sorely lacked last season.
Can the Broncos Make It Work?
Of course, there are hurdles. Pitts is still under contract with the Falcons, and Atlanta could opt to place the franchise tag on him.
That’s a real possibility, especially after his strong 2025 season. But the Falcons also have big-money extensions looming for other stars like Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
If they decide they can’t keep everyone, Pitts could be the odd man out.
From Denver’s side, the financials are tricky. Engram is under contract for another year, and moving on from him would come with a significant dead cap hit. After just absorbing the historic dead cap fallout from the Russell Wilson deal, the Broncos may be hesitant to take on another.
Still, if Pitts hits the open market, Denver has to consider it. The upside is just too high.
What If Pitts Isn’t Available?
If Atlanta decides to hold onto Pitts - and they very well might - the Broncos still need to address the tight end room. That could mean finding a new complement to Trautman, targeting a pass-catching tight end in the draft, or exploring other free agents.
But let’s be clear: none of those options offer the same ceiling as Pitts. He’s a difference-maker.
He’s the kind of player who can change how defenses game-plan for you. And in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, the Broncos need every edge they can get.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos’ Super Bowl window may not be wide open, but it’s cracked - and that’s enough reason to be aggressive. Kyle Pitts would give this offense a true weapon at a position that’s been far too quiet for far too long. He’s young, athletic, and finally trending toward the star many expected him to be.
If he becomes available, Denver should be ready to pounce. Because if Sean Payton still wants a “Joker” in his offense, Kyle Pitts is the best card on the table.