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DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 17: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a play against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos have been open about one glaring offseason priority, and now a national prediction is connecting the dots.

In its 2026 NFL free agency preview, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz projected the Broncos to sign Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton. Schatz pointed to Denver’s need for a true every down presence at the position.

He argued that while Denver already has a pass-catching tight end in Evan Engram, what the roster is missing is a true all-around No. 1 tight end. The Broncos need someone who can anchor the edge as an in-line blocker and still be a steady, reliable option over the middle for their quarterback.

That description fits Otton.

Schatz noted that Otton brings value beyond the stat sheet, calling him the type of tight end who can help stabilize an offense while still producing when needed.

Over the past two seasons, he has totaled 1,172 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Otton has quietly established himself as one of the more dependable tight ends in football.

For a young quarterback like Bo Nix, that kind of consistency and reliability is important.

Why Otton Fits What the Broncos and Sean Payton Want

Head coach Sean Payton has already identified tight end as one of Denver’s primary roster “musts” this offseason.

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Payton explained that when evaluating the roster without impending free agents, certain holes stand out. He specifically pointed to tight end as a position that “would stand out.”

Payton has also continued referencing his search for a versatile chess piece in his offense, often describing it as a “joker” role.

While Otton may not be the explosive mismatch weapon some associate with that label, he checks another important box. He is durable, experienced and trusted in both phases of the offense.

Otton started all 16 games in 2025. He finished with 59 receptions on 81 targets for 572 yards and a touchdown.

More importantly, he rarely leaves the field. He has averaged over 90 percent of offensive snaps in recent seasons and has developed into a steady in-line blocker. That kind of reliability would give Payton flexibility in heavier personnel packages and help support the Broncos’ rushing attack.

Otton’s Contract Projections and Broncos Market Outlook

The bigger question is price.

As of this month, projections for Otton’s next contract vary widely. Several market value models project a three year deal worth approximately $23.7 million. Other estimates land in the $27 million to $30 million range over three years.

There are also high end projections suggesting Otton could command four years and more than $50 million. This would place him among the higher paid tight ends in the league.

Over the Cap valued his 2025 performance at nearly $10 million, reinforcing the idea that he has outperformed his rookie contract.

At 26 years old with 63 career games and 58 starts, Otton is viewed as a dependable, do it all tight end entering his prime.

If Tampa Bay is unwilling to meet his market value, the Broncos could be ready to step in to fill a major team need.

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