Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
Getty
Evan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos reacts in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Denver Broncos have addressed a lot of their needs internally this offseason, retaining a near-unprecedented amount of holdovers in free agency. As the window drags on, the Broncos remain an intriguing speculative landing spot for David Njoku.
Njoku is coming off an extended tenure with the Cleveland Browns, and he has made headlines during free agency, but he has yet to find a new home.
The Broncos loom large as a prime destination for Njoku, who profiles as a strong fit.
David Njoku Remains Popular Broncos Projection
David Njoku, Denver Broncos
GettyDavid Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Broncos attempted to address their tight end position with Evan Engram in free agency last season. CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles said Engram had a “quiet season” in his first year with the Broncos, leading to Njoku as a suggestion.
Njoku was the 29th pick of the 2017 draft.
He has 384 receptions for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career so far, and could tack plenty more on with the Broncos.
“Even after trading for Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos could look to upgrade their pass catchers around Bo Nix,” Pereles wrote on March 23, noting the veteran tight end is a “more powerful player” compared to some other options. “This roster doesn’t have many true holes — and tight end really isn’t one, either.”
Njoku has battled injuries, but was a Pro Bowler with the Browns in 2023. The longer he remains available in free agency, the more likely it becomes that he takes something closer to a prove-it deal rather than anything substantial.
That could make him even more appealing to the Broncos than his skill set already should.
Broncos TE Room Still Needs Help
Adam Trautman, Denver Broncos
GettyAdam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pereles still believes Njoku could add some “versatility” to the Broncos’ offense that returns starter Adam Trautman, along with veteran backups Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull.
The Broncos also have 2025 seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner, a converted basketball player.
Njoku most recently visited the Baltimore Ravens, whom he faced twice a season during his tenure with the Browns in the AFC North. But there have been little to no updates on his free agency since then.
The Broncos waited until the summer to sign starting running back J.K. Dobbins during the 2025 offseason, and a similar approach could make sense with Njoku.
So far, though, the only links between Njoku and the Broncos have been speculative.
Broncos Floated as Draft Home for Converted QB
Eli Stowers
GettyEli Stowers #9 of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up before a game against the Georgia State Panthers.
Njoku was Pereles’ veteran suggestion for the Broncos. But Pereles argued Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, who converted from QB, ”could fit the bill better.”
“He delivered major production in college and wowed at the combine,” Pereles wrote.
“Stowers is an explosive quarterback convert with just three years at the tight end position. He’s an excellent athlete with long arms but needs to keep filling out his frame. He’s a natural pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and massive run-after-catch talent. While his route-running and contested-catch ability need work, he excels at moving the chains on screens/short catches,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile.
“Has the speed to threaten downfield against linebackers. His run-blocking ceiling might be low, but his traits create above-average potential as a pass-catching ‘F’ tight end, fitting the growing trend of utilizing two- and three-tight-end sets more heavily.”
Given their level of investment in their current group, the Broncos could still add another tight end like Njoku or Stowers this offseason.