Latest news with #EvanEngram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos Trade Idea Lands Them Darnell Washington
Broncos Trade Idea Lands Them Darnell Washington originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 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. Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement 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.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can Broncos' Evan Engram Break 1,000-Yards or Will Bo Nix Hurt His Chances?
Can Broncos' Evan Engram Break 1,000-Yards or Will Bo Nix Hurt His Chances? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Evan Engram, the Denver Broncos' dynamic tight end, has chased the 1,000-yard receiving mark but has always fallen short. In 2023, he came close, as he hauled in 114 catches for 963 yards, earning a Pro Bowl nod. But can Bo Nix and Sean Payton finally get him there in 2025? Advertisement Nicknamed the 'Joker,' Engram thrives in Payton's versatile schemes, splitting out wide or attacking from the slot. Payton's history of boosting tight ends, like Jimmy Graham's 1,310-yard season in 2011, fuels excitement via Engram's knack for exploiting mismatches makes him a defensive headache. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by Chenoy-Imagn Images Bo Nix, entering his second year, brings growing confidence and quick reads. His accuracy could unlock Engram's potential on underneath routes, where he shines via Posts on X rave about their chemistry, raising hopes for a breakout if he gets the reps. But hurdles for Engram remain. Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. compete for targets, and Denver's run-heavy offense might limit Engram's chances somewhat. His 2023 stats, second only to Travis Kelce among tight ends, show he's no stranger to big numbers via but how far can Engram stretch his numbers? Advertisement Nix's development is crucial. While in 2024 he showed flashes of brilliance, consistency is vital. Games against softer secondaries, like the Raiders or Colts, offer Engram chances to pile up yards. Injuries or line struggles could disrupt the dream. With Payton's genius and Nix's expected growth, Engram's 1,000-yard season feels tantalizingly close. Will he finally break through? Related: Broncos Predicted to Replace $39 Million DT With Game-Wrecking Lineman This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos Urged to Sign Wide Receiver Amari Cooper
Broncos Urged to Sign Wide Receiver Amari Cooper originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Multiple areas of the Denver Broncos' offense have received facelifts this offseason after 2024 saw the team make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Advertisement First, the Broncos' tight end room got a significant boost in the form of former Jacksonville Jaguars pass-catcher Evan Engram, who inked a two-year deal worth $23 million on March 13. The franchise then bolstered its running back room by taking RJ Harvey with the No. 60 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and signing J.K. Dobbins as a free agent in June. The makeup of the Broncos' wide receiver room, though, has remained stagnant for the most part, outside of using a third-round draft pick on Pat Bryant. That's why ClutchPoints' Douglas Fritz suggests that, if the team makes any more moves ahead of the regular season, it should be at the wideout position. Fritz specifically believes the Broncos should sign Amari Cooper, who remains a free agent after playing for both the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills in 2024. "Yes, we've seen the dropoff. Cooper turned in a poor performance in 2024, totaling only 44 catches for 547 yards and four scores. His stats were almost evenly split between the Browns and the Bills, so it can't all be based on poor quarterback play for the Browns," Fritz wrote. "However, Cooper reportedly played through injuries in 2024. If he's healthier this year, he could provide a spark for the right team. And the Broncos seem to be a good fit." Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to pass in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Fritz – who also believes Cooper could be a good fit for the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers – cited an article written by Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman that highlighted the Broncos' need for strong wide receiver play this upcoming season as rationale for the former Alabama star's potential signing. Advertisement 'While the Broncos gave quarterback Bo Nix the highest-graded pass-blocking unit in football (83.5), they didn't provide ample skill-position weapons,' Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. 'The Broncos earned the fifth-worst PFF receiving grade... in 2024." Heading into 2025, the Broncos' wide receiver room will be headlined by Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vale, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin. Cooper himself is a five-time Pro Bowler who, in addition to his time with the Browns and Bills, has previously played for the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders and Dallas Cowboys over the course of his 10-year NFL career. He has collected 10,033 yards and 64 touchdowns on 711 catches in 154 professional appearances. Related: Broncos Get Positive News on Pat Surtain II's Contract This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Evan Engram Praises Bo Nix's 'Mentality' in Year Two
Broncos' Evan Engram Praises Bo Nix's 'Mentality' in Year Two originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After a strong rookie season from quarterback Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos added a new weapon for their young stud this offseason. The Broncos signed Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million deal to give Nix another weapon heading into his sophomore season. Advertisement This week, at the annual Tight End University camp, founded by George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen, Engram praised his new quarterback's mentality. "My favorite thing about him is just his mentality," Engram told Fox News' Scott Thompson. "The way he thinks, the way he talks to himself, his teammates, the way he's wired upstairs in the brain is really impressive for a kid coming into his second year at the quarterback position." The way Nix goes about his work on the game is one of the reasons Engram chose Denver during free agency. Nix's mentality is one Engram believes will only brew success, and he wanted to be a part of that. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile Chenoy-Imagn Images "I'm really impressed with him so far. I think the talent is there. The work ethic is there," Engram said. "I've seen it on film, kind of trying to figure out what team I want to go to, watching the Broncos. It's even just being around him, the talent is there. Advertisement "The success will find you. The way you work, the sacrifices he makes, the way he leads - just the way he goes about every single day. I think it's just inevitable for anybody to move like that and to have success." Although it's early in the offseason, Engram has already been impressed by the energy of his new team, and he believes that energy, combined with the Broncos' talent, can only lead to success. "Being in Denver - just being in OTAs - the season hasn't even started yet, and just the energy, the attitude, the camaraderie that's throughout the team, the accountability that's throughout the team, the talent that we have, the coaches that we have," Engram said. "I'm really blessed to be there right now and I think just the new teammates that I have, the way that they've accepted me the way we've built our relationships in such a short amount of time, it just really means a lot to me." Engram arrives after four years with the New York Giants and three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Engram has accumulated nearly 500 receptions, 5,000 yards, and 25 touchdowns in his career. Advertisement The tight end will be entering his eighth year in the league and brings a valuable veteran presence to this young Broncos' squad, especially for his second-year quarterback. "I think being in an environment like that with all the wisdom and the things that I know, my ability to be able to pass information down and help the guy next to me - just being in that environment already with other guys like-minded is just an incredible feeling and I think it all correlates," Engram said. "It fits together and I think we have a great opportunity this year to do something really good." The Broncos have about a month until training camp gets underway ahead of the 2025 season. But, as Engram hits the midway point of his first offseason in Denver, he's just thankful to be a Bronco. Advertisement "It's been incredible," Engram said. "I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, and you know, God's plan for you is greater than anything you could conjure up yourself." There's a lot of expectation and excitement around the Broncos' potential in 2025, and Engram believes Nix is the perfect guy to be steering the ship. Related: Broncos' WR Reveals Where Things Stand With Bo Nix This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Broncos' Evan Engram reveals what impresses him most about Bo Nix, says success is 'inevitable' for young QB
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Evan Engram's joyous mood on Tuesday at Vanderbilt was not just because he was back at Tight End University (TEU) with his peers. He loves talking about his new Denver Broncos teammates. Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal this offseason to join the team at Mile High, adding to an offense that turned heads in 2024 as they went to the playoffs. A large reason why Sean Payton's group ended up as a wild card team out of a tough AFC West was due to the confidence and consistency that rookie quarterback Bo Nix played with. Fearless, determined, and many other adjectives were thrown around to describe his play. Engram is still just getting to know his new teammates, but he sang praises for his quarterback when speaking with Fox News Digital at TEU, the three-day tight end summit co-founded by Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen, where Engram was one of the veteran speakers among the group of over 80 players at the position. "I'm really impressed with him so far," he said of Nix. "The talent is there, the work ethic is there. I've seen it on film, kind of trying to figure out what team I wanted to go to. I watched the Broncos, and just even being around him, the talent's there." Engram sees what the entire league saw in Nix's rookie campaign: a decisive quarterback with all the intangibles who built a solid foundation to build on over his rookie contract. However, the NFL is much more than being physically gifted, especially at the hardest position in the sport. That is why Nix's mind is what has Engram astonished. "My favorite thing about him is just his mentality and the way he thinks and the way he talks to himself, talks to his teammates," he explained. "The way he's wired upstairs in the brain is really impressive for a kid coming into his second year at the quarterback position. I've seen it year in and year out. I feel like I'm a product of just having that mentality that success will find you. "The way he works, the sacrifices he makes, the way he leads, just the way he goes about every single day, I think it's just inevitable for anybody to move like that and not have success." Nix threw for almost 4,000 yards last season (3,775) with 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He also was not afraid to put his foot on the ground and run, rushing for 430 yards and four scores. However, Nix is not the only one who has made Engram feel welcome as he begins a new chapter following his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. "Being in Denver, just being in OTAs, the season hasn't started yet and the energy, the attitude, the camaraderie that's throughout the team, the accountability that's throughout the team, the talent that we have, the coaches that we have. I'm really blessed to be there right now. Just the new teammates that I have, the way they've accepted me and the way we've built our relationships in such a short amount of time just really means a lot to me." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
