The Denver Broncos' tight end situation has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Last season, they brought in veteran Evan Engram with high hopes of him being Sean Payton’s versatile "Joker."
Unfortunately, things didn't pan out as expected. Engram managed just one touchdown, and his impact plays were few and far between.
The rest of the tight end crew didn’t fare much better. Adam Trautman took on the primary role, contributing mainly as a blocker, while his pass-catching abilities left something to be desired.
Injuries also plagued Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull, and rookie Caleb Lohner spent the season on the practice squad.
It's clear the Broncos need to revamp their tight end room this offseason. Enter Isaiah Likely from the Baltimore Ravens, a player who could fit the bill if he hits the open market.
At 6-4 and 245 pounds, Likely has been a key contributor for the Ravens, even while playing behind star Mark Andrews. Over four seasons, he's racked up 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Although last season was a down year for Likely, with 27 receptions for 307 yards and a single touchdown, he's looking for a fresh start and could be just what the Broncos need.
Player Profile:
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Age: 25 (turns 26 in April)
- Experience: 5th NFL season
- 2025 stats: 27 receptions for 307 yards and 1 touchdown
Why Isaiah Likely Fits the Broncos
Likely brings the versatility the Broncos crave. He’s capable of lining up inline, in the slot, outside, or even in the backfield, making him a dual threat as both a blocker and a receiver.
The Broncos currently have players who specialize in either blocking or receiving, but not many who excel at both. Likely could fill that gap and potentially replace veteran Adam Trautman’s role while enhancing the receiving game.
With Evan Engram likely to stay another season, the Broncos could have a dynamic duo of pass-catching tight ends. This scenario would also allow Denver to draft a young tight end to develop behind Likely and Engram, setting the stage for a smooth transition when Engram’s contract is up.
Likely’s potential addition wouldn’t break the bank either. He’s never surpassed 500 yards or 42 receptions in a season and is coming off a down year, making him a potential “buy low” candidate for the Broncos.
Why Isaiah Likely Might Not Be the Answer
If Engram stays, the Broncos might lean towards a more traditional inline blocking tight end. While Likely is a willing blocker, he doesn’t fit the mold of a blocking specialist that Sean Payton typically favors.
If the Broncos are looking to replace Trautman with a similar player, Likely might not be the right fit. Moreover, Likely has expressed a desire for a bigger role, which might not align with the Broncos’ current setup if Engram remains.
The Broncos could opt to sign a traditional blocker, draft a tight end, and continue developing Caleb Lohner instead of adding another pass-catcher through free agency.
Final Thoughts
Adding Likely to the Broncos’ offense could be a smart move, but it hinges on several factors. With Engram in the mix, Likely might not fit the traditional role Payton prefers.
If the Broncos decide to move on from Engram, Likely becomes a more viable option. Until then, the focus might be on signing a blocking specialist, drafting a tight end early, and bolstering depth throughout the offseason.