ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Last week, the Broncos traded wide receiver Devaughn Vele; it wasn’t something they particularly wanted to do at first, but eventually the New Orleans Saints made them an offer that they couldn’t resist: one that included a fourth-round draft pick that could end up being high in that round, perhaps even the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft’s third day.
He wasn’t the only player about whom the Broncos have fielded calls, according to coach Sean Payton. Offensive tackle Frank Crum has been a target, too.
“He’s been a player [that] we’ve had three teams call on him,” Payton said Tuesday.
And Crum, who is the team’s No. 3 option at both the left and right tackle spots, remains with the club.
Denver has its starters on both flanks — Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, respectively — and understudies Matt Peart and Alex Palczewski. Peart re-signed with the team in the offseason and also worked at left guard last Saturday in the preseason win at New Orleans, while Crum manned the left-tackle spot.
So, in the short term, there is’t much room for Crum unless the Broncos absorb a crushing blow of injuries at their offensive-tackle spots.
BRONCOS HAVE A PLAN FOR FRANK CRUM
But with the 6-foot-7, 315-pounder, the Broncos are playing the long game.
“It’s the upside and the size and the athleticism, his feet, his protection,” Payton said. “We have a clear and a really good vision for what we think he can become.
“That ceiling is high. You can tell there are other teams doing their homework the same way.”
Last year during the preseason and training camp, Crum showed plenty of aggression, but his technique was raw. Thus, it surprised some observers that he made the 53-player roster coming out of training camp.
His inclusion on the roster didn’t come as a shock this time around. His progress is palpable.
“Frank has come such a long way,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “I love working with Frank and he’s been such a great partner. Alex Palczewski and I kind of have the right-side tackle thing going over there in individual (periods). He gets after it every single day. He’s so tough.
“And he’s an intelligent football player and it’s why his development has just kind of kept going and going.
“And obviously he’s got the physical attributes to be very successful at the game of football. He’s a huge guy. I think he’s even got me beat in height, which is pretty rare in our league. And he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s got all the tools that he needs.”
And with McGlinchey and Bolles established as starters, Crum appears to have time. Bolles signed a contract extension last December.
The contracts of the two veteran starters effectively lock them in for the next two seasons. That’s something to remember given that the Broncos continue have an eye towards long-term development with Crum — one that compelled them to decline multiple inquiries in recent months.
“We’re lucky to have Frank Crum in our building, that’s for sure,” McGlinchey said. “And the depth that he provides and the push that he provides all of us goes a long way.”
