Denver Broncos Target $62 Million Tight End in 2027 Free Agency

Denver Broncos are zeroing in on Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, a player projected to earn a $62 million contract in the 2027 free‑agent market. The move could give a struggling 5‑12 team, currently 14th in the NFC and on a one‑game winning streak, the elite pass‑catcher it has lacked for years.

Why is Tucker Kraft the Broncos’ top target?

Kraft entered the 2025 season on a breakout trajectory, posting 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns before an ACL tear in Week 9 halted his momentum. At 6‑foot‑5, 259 pounds, he blends size with route‑running precision, offering a reliable red‑zone threat. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen ranked him No. 2 among 2027 free‑agent tight ends, suggesting the Broncos should be prepared to meet his market value.

How have the Broncos handled tight ends historically?

Denver’s recent history at the position reads like a series of missed chances. The last Pro Bowl tight end was Julius Thomas in 2014, and the last All‑Pro was Shannon Sharpe in 1998. Recent drafts yielded late‑round picks—Caleb Lohner (7th round, 2025), Justin Joly (5th round, 2026), and Dallen Bentley (7th round, 2026)—none of whom have cracked the active roster. The 2025 free‑agent signing of Evan Engram, a former Pro Bowler, fizzled as he failed to produce consistent production.

What went wrong with Greg Dulcich?

Greg Dulcich arrived as a third‑round pick in 2020 and posted a promising rookie season with 33 catches for 411 yards. Injuries and a coaching change under Sean Payton limited his impact; he missed most of 2023, appeared in just four games in 2024, and was waived in November. After a modest stint with the New York Giants, Dulcich resurfaced with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, recording 26 receptions for 335 yards. His resurgence underscores how a fresh environment can unlock talent, a lesson the Broncos hope to apply with Kraft.

What does signing Kraft mean for Denver’s upcoming schedule?

If Denver locks in Kraft before free agency opens on March 9, 2027, the tight end could be ready for the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 15, 2026. Adding a proven red‑zone weapon may force defenses to respect the Broncos’ passing game, opening up play‑action opportunities for quarterback Drew Locke and widening the offensive playbook.

How can Denver afford a $62 million deal?

The projected contract aligns with the market for elite tight ends, but Denver must balance cap space with other needs. Creative structuring—such as front‑loading guarantees and converting bonuses into roster incentives—could make the deal viable. The front office appears willing to spend, given past willingness to splurge on high‑profile free agents.

What’s the next step for Broncos fans?

Broncos supporters should watch the team’s negotiations closely as the 2027 free‑agency window approaches. A successful acquisition of Kraft would signal a shift toward aggressive roster building, potentially ending a decade‑long drought without a top‑tier tight end. The upcoming clash with the Chiefs will be the first real test of any new offensive pieces the Broncos manage to bring in.