Time for the Broncos to Take Bo Nix off the Tightrope and Trade for a Tight End

Cleveland’s David Njoku emerges as the ideal candidate to enhance the Broncos’ passing game, combining youth, productivity, and a fresh perspective.

Introduction

The tight end position in the Broncos’ passing game is akin to peeling the layers of an onion; the more layers you uncover, the more unpleasantness you encounter. As it stands, Denver is on a journey to establishing a solid offensive identity as a physical team that prioritizes ball security. Currently, they rank 13th in rushing yards per game, thanks to a resurgence from Javonte Williams and the dynamic dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Bo Nix.

Can the Broncos find balance in their offense?

Offensive Identity

Picture this: you’re driving a 4Runner through the Rocky Mountains, while the Broncos ride into the stadium in a state-of-the-art BoRunner. Nix has proven himself as a legitimate dual-threat quarterback since his high school days, and he embraces that label. “I think it is a compliment if they give you credit for throwing the ball, too,” Nix expressed confidently. “I don’t think anybody wants to just be a running quarterback in the league. But it is a good tag. It’s important. It’s tough to defend.”

Although critics have cooled their skepticism towards Denver’s offense following four wins in their last five games—including three consecutive victories on the road—there’s still ample room for improvement, especially as they head into a matchup against Carolina. This game presents yet another opportunity for the Broncos to solidify their standing as a team capable of handling success.

Importance of a Balanced Offense

Winning against weaker competition is a necessary step in dismantling the stigma of being a bad team. However, the reality is that the Broncos have a challenging road ahead toward playoff contention; it requires a more balanced offensive approach. Currently, they sit at an alarming 29th place in passing yards per game, tallying a mere 169.9 yards. Moreover, the absence of a primary receiver and a skilled pass-catching tight end only exacerbates the situation.

Will Njoku be the answer to the Broncos’ offensive woes?

The Kansas City Chiefs reaffirmed their ambition for a Super Bowl three-peat by acquiring DeAndre Hopkins, a significant acquisition for Patrick Mahomes. With the Broncos in a similar mindset of competition, they should set their sights on Cleveland’s David Njoku. While Bengals receiver Tee Higgins would have been a preferable target, his availability is increasingly doubtful.

Need for Production from Tight Ends

Broncos head coach Sean Payton is acutely aware of the necessity for production from the tight end position. He remains optimistic, asserting, “It’s one of the quarterback’s allies because generally, you get some of these coverages where they are not doubling the outside, but the individual matchups are in the triangle on the inside with the runner and the tight end.”

Njoku represents the solution to the offensive riddle facing the Broncos. He fits seamlessly into the puzzle. If granted a chance over the final nine games of the season in Denver, he could realistically deliver approximately 35 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns.

Comparison to Previous Tight Ends

Reflecting on Denver’s history with midseason tight end acquisitions sends waves of hope and trepidation. The most notable instance was in 2015 with San Francisco’s Vernon Davis; the Broncos sought him out for his ability to execute seam routes for the legendary Peyton Manning. Unfortunately, that partnership was cut short by Manning’s foot injury, leading to just seven quarters on the field together. Davis remarked, “It was hard because I didn’t have a lot of time to learn the playbook or have much time with Peyton. But it was an amazing experience, winning a Super Bowl.”

At just 28 years old, Njoku has a salary of approximately $670,000 for the remainder of this season, making him an attainable option for the Broncos even amid their salary cap constraints. Moreover, he is under contract for next season at $14.25 million, a figure ripe for potential renegotiation if he excels.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Broncos must acknowledge the limitations of their current method of winning, which places undue stress on their defense. The ghosts of past tight end failures shouldn’t dictate their future; it’s high time to take Bo Nix off the tightrope and secure a reliable tight end. The prospect of a trade bringing Njoku into the fold could pivot Denver toward a more balanced and effective offense, rejuvenating their playoff aspirations.

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