Adam Trautman, a 29-year-old tight end with six years of NFL experience, including three seasons with the Denver Broncos, stands at a crossroad as the team considers his future. Currently under a two-year, $7.5 million contract, Trautman has shown dependable performance, making him a noteworthy candidate for retention by the Broncos as they plan for the upcoming seasons. The focus on Adam Trautman Broncos Future highlights questions about how his skills and experience could fit into the team’s evolving roster.
Trautman’s Dependable Performance and Connection with Coach Sean Payton
Trautman has proven himself as a steady and reliable target in recent years. Among 63 tight ends with at least 50 catchable passes in the last three seasons, he ranks 12th in the NFL for the lowest drop rate, with only two drops over that span, averaging one drop every 29 catchable passes. Over his three seasons with the Broncos, he has caught 56 passes for 589 yards and scored six touchdowns. His relationship with Head Coach Sean Payton is of particular importance, as Payton has coached Trautman through five campaigns, including stints in New Orleans and Denver. No current Bronco aside from kicker Wil Lutz has spent more time under Payton’s guidance, which could influence the decision to bring him back.
In a team struggling with dropped passes, Trautman stood out for his reliable hands, dropping only one pass last season among Broncos players with at least five targets—second in reliability only to Marvin Mims Jr.
Challenges Facing Trautman’s Return amid Depth Chart Competition
Despite his reliability, Trautman faces potential competition both from above and below on the Broncos’ depth chart. The free-agent market includes several talented tight ends such as Cleveland’s David Njoku, Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert, and Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely. While Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts is expected to stay with the Falcons under a franchise tag, these names represent possible alternatives for Denver.
Within the Broncos’ current roster, versatile players Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull could return through restricted free-agent tenders, making it likely that only two out of this trio—Adkins, Krull, and Trautman—can remain. Adkins, despite injury concerns and a higher drop rate, is nearly three and a half years younger than Trautman, presenting the team with a choice between experience and youth. Krull, who ended last season on injured reserve due to a foot fracture sustained during practice, is expected to return if the team chooses.
Future Roster Strategy and Playing Time Implications
Last year, the Broncos retained four tight ends, indicating there could be room to bring back the experienced Trautman for a seventh NFL season. The team’s roster strategy might involve signing another free agent like Njoku, while also drafting young tight-end prospects such as Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq or Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers. Such moves could create a scenario where the Broncos make cap-and roster-clearing decisions, possibly involving Evan Engram through a post-June 1 designation, to maintain salary flexibility heading into 2026.
If Trautman remains with Denver, the team may see him as a third-option tight end, which could still offer solid playing time given Payton’s preference for two-tight end formations. However, coaching changes may affect his role; former Broncos tight end coach Declan Doyle has moved to Baltimore as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, potentially opening opportunities for Trautman elsewhere, especially if Baltimore loses players like Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency.
Having played at least 52 percent of offensive snaps in each of the past five seasons, Trautman prioritizes regular playing time. Should the Broncos be unable to meet this need, there is a realistic possibility another team will offer him a more prominent role.
Implications for the Broncos Moving Forward
Denver faces an anxious yet hopeful decision regarding Trautman’s future, balancing his proven reliability with options emerging in the free-agent pool and their own developing talent. Given the high stakes around roster construction and playing time, how the Broncos handle Trautman’s contract and position could impact their offensive schemes and depth at tight end in the upcoming season. With Sean Payton’s influence and the shifting dynamics of available players in the league, the team must carefully weigh the benefits of experience against youth and cap flexibility as they plan ahead.
