5 Denver Broncos free agent targets at the tight end position

Denver Broncos free agent TE target no. 1: Robert Tonyan, Packers

There are a number of very obvious connections between the Denver Broncos and free agent tight end Robert Tonyan.

First and foremost, two of his coaches from the Green Bay Packers are now with the Broncos’ offensive staff. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett and offensive coordinator Justin Outten worked directly with Tonynan in Green Bay, especially Outten who was the Packers’ tight ends coach.

Under the watch of Outten and Hackett, Tonyan went from being cut by the Detroit Lions and a practice squad, reserve/futures contract type of player to a Pro Bowl-caliber player in 2020.

In his breakout 2020 campaign, Tonyan caught 52 of 59 passes thrown in his direction with a whopping 11 touchdowns. He was only able to play in eight games in the 2021 season but still managed 18 receptions for over 200 yards with a pair of touchdowns.

I don’t put Tonyan first on the list because he would be my personal top target, but because there are so many connections here. Especially if the Broncos are able to pull off a trade for Aaron Rodgers, this kind of weapon added into the fold would make sense.

Even if Rodgers doesn’t come to Denver, Tonyan would make sense as an upgrade over Albert Okwuegbunam, at least potentially. Tonyan fits the profile of what the Broncos have sought after under George Paton in terms of elite-level athletes, and with his connections to the coaching staff, understanding of the offense, and productivity, he could be an ideal target on a 2-3 year deal.