3 free agent tight ends the Broncos could pair with Greg Dulcich

3. Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings

In a year where the NFL Draft class at the tight end position is so highly regarded, the Denver Broncos could get a bit of an assist. If the tight end crop in the draft is loaded, it means free agents might need to take more team-friendly deals or perhaps in the case of a player like Irv Smith Jr., a short-term "prove it" kind of deal.

Let's just get this one out of the way quickly, alright? Who was in the Minnesota Vikings' front office when Smith was a second-round pick out of Alabama? That would be Denver Broncos GM George Paton.

In Irv Smith Jr.'s first two NFL seasons -- when Paton was still with the Vikings, he looked like he was on his way to stardom at the position. He racked up 66 receptions with seven touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons before unfortunately going down with a season-ending injury before the start of the 2021 campaign.

He came back in 2022 for the Vikings but played just eight games. Having a full year to get back at it after the major injury in 2021, perhaps the 24-year-old Irv Smith Jr. could have a renewed breakout type of year in Denver in 2023 under head coach Sean Payton.

Smith has a bit of a different size profile at the position as well, and perhaps he could be moved around the formation as a fullback or H-back. He's listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds. If Paton had a hand in drafting Smith in Minnesota, and it's reasonable to assume that he did, it also might be reasonable to assume that he wants to see him really succeed in the NFL.

The Broncos aren't getting to see their own high draft choice at tight end in 2019 -- Noah Fant -- get to a second contract. Perhaps someone like Smith could provide nice depth and make some plays as a receiver alongside Greg Dulcich.