Broncos Sign Two Veteran Tight Ends

The Denver Broncos spent $17.5 million on two tight ends Friday.

The tight end position has changed in recent years. Blocking responsibilities have taken a backseat and receiving responsibilities have become primary. We don’t have to look any further than the Broncos last game of the season when they saw Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez torch them before halftime in the AFC divisional playoff game.

The Broncos had a slew of tight ends on their roster last season, but they were under utilized and overlooked in the offense. Daniel Fells, the team’s leading tight end had 19 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. The other three tight ends that made catches in the regular season combined for 11 receptions.

The Broncos needed to add some veteran help so they signed four-year veteran Jacob Tamme (6’3″, 236 pounds) to the squad. Tamme has played for the Indianapolis Colts since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 draft. His best year game in 2010 when he had 67 catches for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns. This signing will help make Peyton Manning’s transition easier.

The team also signed tight end Joel Dreessen (6’4″, 245 pounds) Friday. He was drafted out of Colorado State by the New York Jets in the sixth round. He played one season for the Jets and the next five seasons for the Houston Texans. Last season he had 28 receptions for 353 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a guy that works great in a short field.

It was obvious that the Broncos had to go on a hunt for more targets and they scored big time with these two signings. They will also be able to keep one or two of their younger tight ends like Julius Thomas and Virgil Green so they can learn and develop.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.