For nearly a decade, the Mile High City has been searching for a consistent threat at the tight end position. Since the departure of Pro Bowlers like Julius Thomas, the Denver Broncos have struggled to find a reliable safety valve for their quarterbacks and a vertical threat down the seam. As the team looks toward the 2026 season, the front office and coaching staff are making it clear that improving Denver Broncos tight end production is a primary objective to elevate their offensive efficiency.
The Search for Stability at Tight End
The Broncos' offensive struggles in recent years can be traced back to several factors, but the lack of a dynamic tight end has been a glaring omission. In the modern NFL, a productive tight end serves as a mismatch nightmare, forcing defensive coordinators to choose between using a smaller defensive back or a slower linebacker in coverage. For Denver, those mismatches have rarely swung in their favor.
Heading into 2026, the team is banking on a blend of young talent and high-upside projects to shore up what has arguably been their biggest roster weakness. The hope is that by diversifying the skill sets in the tight end room, the Broncos can finally move away from the bottom of the league in receiving statistics for the position.
Justin Joly: The Centerpiece of the 2026 Strategy
One of the most anticipated additions to the roster is Justin Joly. As the Broncos look to modernize their passing attack, Joly represents the archetype of the "move" tight end that has become so prevalent in high-scoring offenses. With a background that suggests a high ceiling in the passing game, Joly is expected to be more than just a traditional blocker.
The Denver Broncos tight end production relies heavily on Joly’s ability to transition his collegiate success to the professional level. Scouts have pointed to his route-running and hands as immediate assets. If Joly can quickly build chemistry with the starting quarterback, he could become the focal point of the middle-of-the-field passing game that Denver has lacked for years.
Athleticism and Upside: Caleb Lohner and Dallen Bentley
Beyond Joly, the Broncos are taking calculated risks on high-ceiling athletes like Caleb Lohner and Dallen Bentley. Lohner, known for his elite physical profile and basketball background, follows a long lineage of cross-sport athletes attempting to master the tight end position. While he may be a raw prospect, his frame and leaping ability make him an intriguing red-zone target.
Dallen Bentley adds further depth to the room, providing another young option for the coaching staff to develop. The strategy for 2026 appears to be one of volume and competition; by bringing in multiple players with different strengths, the Broncos are hoping at least one or two will emerge as legitimate NFL starters. This competitive environment is designed to push the group to exceed the modest production seen in previous seasons.
Learning from the Best: The Evan Engram Blueprint
While the Broncos are focused on their internal roster, the league-wide standard for tight end play remains a benchmark. Players like Evan Engram have demonstrated how a versatile tight end can transform an entire offensive unit. Engram’s ability to line up in the slot, out wide, or in the traditional inline position is the blueprint Denver hopes to replicate with their new-look unit.
By studying how successful offenses utilize players like Engram, the Broncos' coaching staff aims to create a system where Joly and Lohner aren't just blockers, but primary targets. Improving Denver Broncos tight end production isn't just about catching more passes; it's about forcing the defense to respect the entire width and depth of the field.
Impact on the 2026 Offensive Outlook
If the Broncos can successfully integrate these new faces, the ripple effect on the rest of the offense will be significant. A reliable tight end group will take the pressure off the wide receiving corps and provide more room for the running game to operate. In 2026, the goal is clear: transform the tight end position from a liability into a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos' identity.
With training camp and the preseason on the horizon, all eyes will be on how these young players adapt to the playbook. For a franchise that has been patient for years, the 2026 season represents a critical turning point in their quest for offensive relevance.
Sources & Original Reporting
