Adam Trautman, Denver Broncos
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Adam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball after making a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on September 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos are turning to a familiar face in their latest roster move, on what turned into an eventful day on the eve of the NFL’s legal tampering period, with veteran tight end and former New Orleans Saints draft pick Adam Trautman.
Trautman has been with the Broncos for the past three seasons.
He will continue his run, polarizing as it may be, as the most reliable option that the team has had at the position.
Broncos Reach Deal With Ex-Saints Starter
Adam Trautman
GettyAdam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the New York Jets.
The Broncos initially signed Trautman in free agency in 2023. He caught 20 passes for 195 yards and 1 touchdown during the 2025 season and has a 55-587-6 line for his Broncos career so far.
Trautman will have an opportunity to add to those numbers.
“#Broncos have reached agreement with TE Adam Trautman on 3-year deal per source,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on March 8. “Source: It’s a three-year, $17M contract for Trautman with a max of $18.5M. $9.5M guaranteed.
“One of best pure blocking TEs in game. Washington’s John Bates is considered game’s best pure blocking TE. Bates got 3 and $21M last offseason.”
Klis noted Trautman is “more versatile, has more catches, plays a bit more than Bates.”
Trautman has caught 115 passes for 1,228 yards and 10 TDs in his career. He has started 38 of 51 games played for the Broncos.
Trautman even started over 2025 free agency pickup Evan Engram, who outpaced him in production. He also started 28 of 43 games with the Saints. His previous role is likely a sign of what is to come for the Broncos at the position with Trautman back in the fold.
Trautman was coming off a two-year, $7.5 million contract with $12.3 million in career earnings.
Spotrac projected his market value at $2.8 million annually. They suggested a two-year, $5.6 million deal. The Broncos value Trautman more than that.
Reactions to Broncos’ Decision Telling
Adam Trautman
GettyAdam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos looks on after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.
News of the Broncos’ decision came as no surprise, with several media members highlighting head coach Sean Payton’s affinity for the former third-round draft pick (No. 105 overall in 2020) of the Saints.
Payton was still the HC in New Orleans at the time.
“Sean Payton loves and trusts Trautman,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted while confirming the news. “No surprise he’s back for many years.”
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans also added context, posting, “Trautman obviously wanted to stay in Denver and re-signing him makes sense as a trusted piece in the offense. Three years is interesting. Curious to see mechanics of the contract.
“Don’t think this prevents the #Broncos from going after another TE whatsoever.”
Stevens agreed with that sentiment, issuing an alert to fans not to overreact at this stage of the offseason calendar in a separate post.
“Free agency hasn’t even started yet. Evan Engram was the only TE under contract before this deal,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted in response to a fan. “Signing Trautman does not take Denver out of the TE market this week.”
Free agency opens on March 11, but teams can speak with outside free agents on March 9.
The Broncos ensured they would retain Trautman on their roster without dealing with any other potential suitors.