Broncos are monitoring the tight end market

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Denver Broncos are reportedly monitoring the tight end market ahead of the NFL trade deadline. An earlier report indicated the Broncos could be the “biggest contender” for a wide receiver, but according to this report, they are also monitoring the tight end market.

The Broncos made a big splash this offseason when they signed veteran tight end Evan Engram to be Sean Payton’s ‘Joker’. There was a lot of hype about that signing and the impact he would have on the offense, but through 7 games, we have seen mixed results. Things started slowly for Engram, but recently, he has been a bit more productive. Despite his recent surge in production, he has 22 receptions for 179 yards and just 1 touchdown on the year.

I think both sides expected more.

So, could they explore the trade market to add another receiving option to this unit? It is possible if the price is right. The two big names that have been rumored as trade candidates are Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and Browns tight end David Njoku. I would be surprised if either veteran would be moved, but with both teams having down years, they could listen to offers on some of their veteran players.

Andrews has lost a step in recent years, but would give the Broncos another solid underneath option as well as another big red zone target for quarterback Bo Nix. I do not think the Ravens pull the trigger on a trade here, but if they lose again this Sunday, things could change. As for Njoku, he may have a better shot at being moved due to the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. If he were to become available, he is a player I would love the Broncos to acquire.

Njoku can block, is still an excellent receiver, and would give Bo Nix another big and athletic target in the red zone. He’s 29 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and could be a valuable piece added to a contending team. It’s unclear if the Browns will move on from their longtime pass catcher at the deadline, but if they do, the Broncos should have interest.

Another name that is rumored to be available is Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. He is another big and athletic “move tight end”, but I am not sure the Broncos will want another move tight end who isn’t known for their blocking. I do like his athleticism and pass-catching upside, but unclear on the fit.

The less exciting route would be to add an in-line tight end to help with the run blocking. The Broncos have veteran Adam Trautman and fullback/tight end Nate Adkins for those roles, but if they want to improve that, adding another mauler inside could be what they want to do.

Off topic, but if the Jags are listening to offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., George Paton HAS to make that call. You’re talking about a receiver with Demaryius Thomas upside, who would give the Broncos a size/speed guy they are desperately missing. It would be shocking if he is available, but if he is, make that call and get Bo another explosive weapon.

The trade deadline is November 4th at 2 p.m. MT, and we will have to see if the Broncos make a move for a wide receiver, tight end, or anyone else. Stay tuned to Mile High Report for all the news and rumors for the Denver Broncos ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan did not hold back on what makes Houston Texans defense great

Although everyone in Houston knows better, there's probably a decent-sized chunk of the NFL's casual fan base that would look at the 2-4 record alongside the Houston Texans' name and assume that this is a mediocre football team that has been a disappointment on both sides of the ball. Of course, those who have been paying close attention to the Texans season thus far know this couldn't be further from the truth.

Despite a 2-4 record, you could make the case -- quite easily, by the way -- that the Texans defense is the very best in the NFL. Hell, it's a case I've made on numerous occasions already this season.

Even in their four losses this season, Houston's defense has done its part, holding the Rams, Buccaneers and Jaguars to 20 points or fewer in their opening three losses of the season, and putting up a far better effort against the Seattle Seahawks than the 27-19 final indicated. The Texans turned the Seahawks over four times, and only one of Seattle's scoring drives this past Monday night went for more than 50 yards.

This is just a small sampling from the mountain of data that could be provided in support of Houston's defense being the best in the league. But why listen to me when you could hear it from one of the brightest offensive minds in all of professional football?

Kyle Shanahan dishes on the defense of the Houston Texans

For multiple seasons, DeMeco Ryans served on Kyle Shanahan's staff in San Francisco, so Shanahan knows first-hand how impactful Ryans' presence can be on a defense. And after careful evaluation of the film, he knows that this Texans defense can give Mac Jones and the entire 49ers offense fits on Sunday afternoon.

"DeMeco has them playing at a very high level; very sound defense," Kyle Shanahan told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. “Anytime that you go up against a defense who has extremely sound coverages, you want to know about their pass rush because with sound coverages, it’s tough to get big plays."

Surprisingly, the Texans pass rush has been one of the areas that hasn't been top-tier this season. Heading into this matchup, Houston ranks just 20th in pressure rate, 22nd in total sacks and 27th in hurry rate. In 2024, Houston was better in all three of these categories than they have been in 2025, yet heading into their Week 8 matchup with the Niners, the Texans defense is still lights out against the pass, ranking 1st in opponent quarterback rating and 2nd in completion percentage allowed.

Just imagine when Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and co. start getting after the quarterback like they did last season, when Houston finished the year with the fourth-most sacks in the NFL. Then how dominant can this defense be?

“They are going to get after you at times. That pocket is going to collapse at times. But you have to make sure if it does collapse that you protect that ball and don’t turn it over,” Shanahan declared. “They’re going to be tested because this is a very good defense."

 

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