Denver Broncos 4 offensive free agents to prioritize in 2022

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offseason – Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans cornerback Elijah Molden (24) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos offensive FA target no. 3: OJ Howard, TE

With Noah Fant’s fifth-year option hanging in the balance, general manager George Paton reiterated that Fant is a player they want around for a long time.

I can see Fant getting a contract extension in the 2022 offseason but in the meantime, the Broncos might consider upgrading the TE2 spot behind him.

I don’t think Albert Okwuegbunam has shown enough in the last two seasons to definitively say he should be the unquestioned TE2 going forward, but maybe the Broncos feel a different type of way about that.

One area that everyone knows needs to be better is the tight end blocking in the running game, and that’s an area where OJ Howard can help.

It just so happens he’s also an athletic freak with outstanding speed and playmaking ability as a receiver. Would Howard be willing to be a TE2 or TE1a with Noah Fant?

For the right price, maybe.

I think the Denver Broncos should do what it takes to convince him to come to the Mile High City, giving them another big-time option at the position in the passing game but also someone that can be physical in the running game.

One of the Denver Broncos’ newest coaches, assistant offensive line coach Ben Steele, was the Buccaneers’ tight ends coach in 2017 and 2018 when Howard first came into the league.

That connection could be huge if Howard is a target for the Broncos in free agency, as I believe he should be.