The Denver Broncos might still address their tight end position, but it would be a luxury with Nate Adkins. Adkins, with whom they are very familiar, is coming off his third season with the Broncos and in the NFL.
He is part of an embattled position group whose production over the past two seasons has come under scrutiny.
His return looms large for the Broncos’ offseason plans.
Broncos Bring Back Versatile Nate Adkins
GettyNate Adkins #45 of the Denver Broncos on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Adkins is a former undrafted free agent who has spent his entire NFL playing career with the Broncos. He has caught 24 passes for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns so far.
“#Broncos and TE Nate Adkins have agreed on a one-year deal, source said,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported on X on March 8. “Adkins was a restricted free agent but won’t be hitting the market tomorrow.
“Denver now has Evan Engram, Adam Trautman and Adkins under contract for 2026.”
Adkins, 28, provides dual value, with the ability to play fullback as well as his customary tight end duties.
His 6-48-1 line was a step back from the 14-reception, 115-yard, 4-TD line that he posted during the 2024 season. That was partly due to his playing in nine games on the campaign. He still started six of those contests.
The Broncos essentially cut out the middleman.
“He was bound to be a restricted free agent but now won’t be going through that process,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted after the deal.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens noted “Adkins is an incredibly valuable blocker,” underscoring how his limited production–even when healthy–belies how the Broncos view the veteran, who will turn 27 in July.
Adkins is expected to come in somewhere around his tender.
9News’ Mike Klis expected Adkins could have had a “low tender” of $3.5 million or $5.8 million on a “2nd round” tender.
Broncos Avoid Forcing Issue
GettyAdam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Stevens noted that the Broncos “entered today with one tight end on their roster” but that they “end today with three” on their roster. Adkins stays with Trautman, whom the Broncos also re-signed on Sunday, and 2025 free agent signing Engram.
They can now focus their efforts on greater areas of need.
That is true even if the move is not expected to keep them from exploring the tight end market. They should have options in free agency or the draft.
“They literally have not had the opportunity to sign external players yet,” Gabriel told a fan who was fretting. “Could end up with the same group, but honest question: Will you feel different if they land a TE you like tomorrow or Tuesday?”
Teams can begin legally tampering with rival players at noon Eastern on Monday.
It remains to be seen if the Broncos will add more tight ends to their roster along with Adkins, Evans, and Trautman. The Broncos also re-signed veteran linebacker Justin Strnad on Sunday.
Broncos Sign Versatile Veteran Amid Busy Day of Roster Activity