The Denver Broncos are fully committed to Bo Nix and have focused on building a strong supporting cast around him, highlighted by the addition of tight end Evan Engram this offseason. Still, the team may have a chance to strengthen their depth by trading for Darnell Washington of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Zach Segars of KOA.com proposed that the Broncos target Washington in a trade. He also outlined two potential trade scenarios that could bring the 6-foot-7, 250-pound tight end to Denver.
Segars’ proposed “likely trade terms” involved the Broncos sending a future sixth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for Washington. He pointed out that while Denver doesn’t currently have a sixth-rounder in 2026, Steelers GM Omar Khan’s solid job security might make him more willing to accept a lower return in the deal.
Broncos get:
- Darnell Washington
Steelers get:
- 2027 sixth-round pick
Segars’ alternative trade proposal involves the Broncos sending tight end Adam Trautman to the Steelers along with a swap of sixth-round picks. Trautman was Denver’s top-producing tight end in 2024, finishing with 188 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, Washington recorded 19 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown last season — numbers that would have matched or surpassed any Broncos tight end in both catches and yardage.
This comparison highlights why Denver might benefit from pursuing a trade for Washington.
Broncos Urged to Trade For Steelers TE Darnell Washington
Segars’ recommendation that the Broncos pursue a trade for Darnell Washington — the 93rd overall pick in the 2023 draft — comes on the heels of the Steelers trading for Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason. With Pat Freiermuth also under contract, Washington could become the odd man out in Pittsburgh.
“The Denver Broncos should make a real push to trade for Darnell Washington,” Segars wrote on July 3. “The need is obvious — he fits naturally in the offense, brings immediate help to a key roster weakness, has long-term potential, and would come at a relatively low cost.”
Segars argued that even if the Steelers initially reject a deal due to their current win-now approach, the Broncos shouldn’t give up. He suggested they revisit trade talks closer to the NFL trade deadline, as Pittsburgh’s high expectations could unravel by late October—potentially lowering Washington’s trade value even further.
As a rookie, Washington posted a modest stat line of 7 catches for 61 yards and no touchdowns, showing limited impact as a receiving threat — though that’s not what the Broncos are primarily looking for.
According to Pro Football Focus, Washington ranked as the 10th-best run-blocking tight end overall. He excelled in zone-blocking schemes, ranking ninth, but struggled more in gap schemes, coming in at 84th. By comparison, Trautman was graded 22nd overall and in zone blocking, but ranked even lower in gap blocking at 92nd.
Broncos TE Room Deep
Acquiring Washington would give the Broncos a crowded tight end room with seven players heading into training camp—unless another move follows.
Evan Engram currently leads the depth chart, but the roles behind him remain unsettled. Alongside Trautman, Denver returns Lucas Krull, who led all Broncos tight ends in receptions last season, as well as the versatile Nate Adkins and rookie seventh-rounder Caleb Lohner.
While Trautman, like Washington, is known more for his blocking than his receiving, Washington could offer a younger, potentially more impactful alternative in that role.
Lucas Krull emerged as a standout during the Broncos’ 2024 offseason program, earning praise for his performance. Caleb Lohner, on the other hand, brings potential as a receiving threat but is relatively inexperienced—having transitioned from basketball to football with just one season of college football under his belt.
