Nate Adkins: Everything you need to know

Adkins and the Broncos agreed on a one-year contract Sunday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports. Adkins will remain in Denver for a fourth season after operating having caught six of 11 targets for 48 yards and a touchdown over nine regular-season contests in 2025. The tight end will likely continue to have limited upside on offense next season, operating behind the likes of Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, the latter of which inked a three-year deal with the Broncos on Sunday.

Adkins finished the 2025 regular-season campaign with six catches on 11 targets for 48 yards and one touchdown across 9 appearances. Adkins did not play a significant role for the Broncos this season, as the tight end missed time with ankle and knee injuries during the 2025 campaign. The 26-year-old tight end operated as Denver's No. 3 tight end behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, so even when he was healthy, Adkins faced an uphill battle for playing time. The South Carolina product is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, so the Broncos will have the opportunity to match any offers he may receiver from other teams to keep him in Denver. Regardless of where Adkins ends up playing in 2026, he'll likely continue to be far off the fantasy radar.

Adkins (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official website reports. Adkins was able to log a full practice after opening the week as a limited participant Wednesday, moving past the knee injury that forced him to miss the team's Week 17 win over the Chiefs. The tight end will likely operate in his traditional depth role behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman in Sunday's matchup with the Chargers.