Broncos Trade Idea Lands Them Darnell Washington
The Denver Broncos hope to take the next step heading into 2025. The team ended its eight-year playoff drought a year ago, finishing with a 10-7 record before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard Round of the NFL playoffs, and there's a fair amount of belief that the team will be challenging for the playoffs again in 2025.
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The offense, with second-year quarterback Bo Nix, has to continue to ascend if growth is to happen. Acquiring tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins in free agency, as well as running back R.J. Harvey and wide receiver Pat Bryant in the draft, means the Broncos are well-equipped to take that step. One interesting trade proposal has the Broncos improving even more at tight end, though.
Per KOA's Zach Segar, the Broncos should consider making a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington. The former Georgia Bulldog is heading into his third season in the NFL with the Steelers and is known for his excellent blocking ability, both as a run-blocker and in pass protection.
The trade proposal has the Broncos acquiring Washington for a 2027 sixth-round pick, while an alternative offer sees the Broncos picking up Washington and a 2026 sixth-round pick for TE Adam Trautman and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton speaks to the media following rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
'Right now, Denver's tight end room is painfully shallow. Evan Engram is the only player in the room who could earn playing time on a majority of NFL rosters, and even he is a limited solution, considering his lack of blocking ability and his need to operate in space.' Segar writes.
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That's where Washington could come in and contribute. While he's still raw and growing as a pass-catcher, his size, athleticism, and natural power lend themselves very well to his role as a blocker.
'Darnell Washington could immediately be a quality answer to fill the void next to Engram in the tight end room. Washington offers freakish size, athleticism, and strength, making him look more like an additional offensive tackle than a traditional TE.' Segar adds. 'Despite that lumbering frame, Washington has managed to be a factor in the passing game, making him a more well-rounded option than past Broncos blocking-specialists Eric Tomlinson and Chris Manhertz.'
The Steelers might feel more open to the idea of moving Washington now they've also traded for former Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, but Washington's role is so niche, and he plays it so well that the Steelers may feel they can't get that production from elsewhere on the roster. In a world where he does end up on the Broncos roster, he makes them a better team.
Related: Broncos' Bo Nix Predicted to Accomplish Something Not Done Since Peyton Manning
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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