RADIO
Justin Joly Scores 88-Yard Touchdown in Preseason Finale
Denver Broncos rookie tight end Justin Joly had a big game in his team's 34-6 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, hauling in both of his targets for 95 yards and a touchdown. Joly showed off his ability to make plays down the field late in the game, scoring an 88-yard touchdown on a broken play. A fifth-round pick out of North Carolina State, Joly recorded 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games in his final collegiate season. Entering 2026, the 22-year-old will likely begin the year behind veterans Evan Engram and Adam Trautman on Denver's tight end depth chart. However, Trautman profiles more as a blocking tight end, and Engram is entering his age-32 season while coming off a down year. As a stash candidate in dynasty formats, Joly could be worth a look for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Evan Engram Starting to Look More Interesting in Redraft Leagues
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is starting to give fantasy managers a little more to work with after a rough first season in Denver. He caught 50 of 76 targets for 461 yards and one touchdown in 16 games last year, but the bigger issue was how little the Broncos used him. This summer has been different. Engram was one of the early camp standouts, Sean Payton said he could be a "big asset," and he later caught a touchdown from Bo Nix during two-minute work. Denver has also moved him around the formation more instead of treating him mostly as a slot target. Engram then drew three targets in the preseason opener, catching one for 24 yards. This isn't suddenly a clear path back to TE1 numbers. Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton and the rest of Denver's receiver room make targets tough to project, and Engram still has plenty to prove after last year. He does remain first on the depth chart, though, and RotoBaller has him at TE34 in half-PPR. That's still deep-league territory, but Engram's stock has moved in the right direction this summer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram Raves About Broncos Offense
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram failed to reach 500 receiving yards in his first season with the team, scoring only one touchdown, but to hear him tell it, big things are in store not just for him, but for the entire Broncos offense in Year 1 under new play-caller Davis Webb. "One of the most impressive things is he's really just kind of built something for everybody," Engram recently shared with the media. "Everybody's got plays. Anytime anybody is getting the ball, it's an explosive. You look at Pat Bryant and the camp he's having. [Courtland Sutton], he's balling as usual. Troy Franklin's flying all over the field. The running backs are getting active. Tight ends are making plays." The Broncos finished 10th in the league by yards per game in 2025 while ranking 14th by points scored, but following the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle via trade and the drafting of running back Jonah Coleman into an already deep room of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, expectations are in place for a major step forward. At RotoBaller's TE34, Engram has spent most of the summer off of drafters' radars, but a strong start could see him work his way into the early-season streaming conversation.
Source: Kevin Patra - Around the NFL
Source: Kevin Patra - Around the NFL
Evan Engram Sees Ample Targets in Limited Action in Preseason Opener
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram caught one of his three targets for 24 yards during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He was actually targeted four times by Jarrett Stidham, but one of plays was called back due to an offensive holding penalty. Fantasy managers shouldn't be deterred by the fact that Engram had just one catch, and that two of his targets weren't caught. Rather, there should be optimism that he fetched a significant amount of targets despite playing just a couple of drives. That's a step in the right direction after an uninspiring 2025 campaign in which he caught 50 passes, scored one touchdown, and ranked as the TE29 in PPR leagues. Engram doesn't have a multi-touchdown season since 2023, and he'll look to get back on track in 2026. The passing game is a bit crowded following the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the good news is that Engram essentially has the top of the tight end room all to himself. He's a mid-to-low TE2 with upside going forward.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Evan Engram Showing More Confidence in Year 2
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is playing faster and with more confidence now that he has a full season in Sean Payton's offense, according to Chris Tomasson. Payton pointed to Engram's familiarity with the system as a reason for the difference entering his second year in Denver. Engram caught 50 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown across 16 games last season after signing with the Broncos to fill a versatile mismatch role in the passing game. He has also flashed during camp, including a touchdown from Bo Nix during two-minute work Saturday. The production in his first Denver season was relatively modest, but Payton's comments suggest Engram is operating with a better feel for what the offense is asking from him this summer.
Source: Chris Tomasson
Source: Chris Tomasson
Broncos in "No Hurry Right Now" to Bring in Taysom Hill
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that "there's no hurry right now" to bring in free-agent tight end Taysom Hill, according to Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Payton added that he's set to see Hill in five days at quarterback Drew Brees' Hall of Fame induction. The head coach also said later that he needs to see where Hill is mentally and whether he even wants to play another season in the NFL. The 35-year-old Swiss Army Knife for the New Orleans Saints for the last nine years has parted ways with the organization and will play for another team if he returns for a 10th season in 2026. In 13 games with the Saints last year, Hill carried the ball 52 times for 114 yards (career-low 2.2 yards per carry) and just one touchdown, adding 11 catches for 91 yards on 16 targets as a receiver. The Broncos already have a pretty crowded receiver and running backs room, as well as veteran TE Evan Engram, so Hill could be an odd fit if he were to join Denver. Payton would surely find a way to use Hill to his advantage, but he would most likely operate in more of a gadget role that wouldn't lend itself to much fantasy football value.
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Sean Payton Exploring Reunion With Taysom Hill
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team will explore bringing in free-agent tight end Taysom Hill, according to Steve Wyche. Hill spent five seasons with Payton in New Orleans, where he carved out a unique role as a runner, receiver and occasional quarterback. The 35-year-old has not said whether he will play in 2026, but he confirmed earlier this week that he will not return to the Saints. Hill appeared in 13 games last season, finishing with 52 carries for 114 yards and one touchdown, 11 catches for 91 yards, and a touchdown pass on six attempts. Payton knows how to use Hill's versatility, so the interest is easy to understand, but Denver has not moved beyond exploring the possibility.
Source: Steve Wyche
Source: Steve Wyche
Evan Engram Drawing Ample Targets Early in Training Camp
Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports that Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is having a day in training camp practice on Friday, as he's been targeted multiple times with multiple catches during team drills, including a 50-yard bomb from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stevens adds that Davis Webb as the team's new play-caller "seems to be benefiting him a ton." Stevens added that Engram can "definitely" be a big part of the offense this year. The Athletic's Nick Kosmider writes that Engram has been "the standout" during the team's first 11-on-11 period in camp. The 31-year-old veteran TE also had a strong showing during mandatory minicamp last month, perhaps setting himself up to be a sleeper at the position in fantasy football drafts in 2026. Engram was a disappointment last year in his first year in Denver after head coach Sean Payton talked him up all offseason, ultimately finishing with a 50-461-1 line in 16 regular-season games. The Broncos have receiver Jaylen Waddle now, though, which could totally transform their offense and open up space for Engram to operate. RotoBaller has Engram ranked as only the TE34, but if he continues to impress during camp and gain the trust of Webb as a play-caller, his ADP could rise quickly as a TE2.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Evan Engram's Name Still Outweighs His Role
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is still recognizable enough to tempt fantasy managers, but last season gave them little reason to chase the name. He caught 50 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown across 16 games while starting twice and playing only 42% of the offensive snaps. Denver has since added Jaylen Waddle, and fifth-round rookie Justin Joly brings another movable receiving option to the tight end room. Engram remains atop the depth chart for now. That does not guarantee the larger role he never found in 2025. RotoBaller ranks him TE35 for redraft, and he has slipped to 265th overall in its newest dynasty rankings. A rebound is possible if the playing time changes, but that is a preseason hope, not an expectation. Engram belongs on deep-league watch lists. Standard-league managers can find better late-round bets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram to See Increased Production in Year 2 in Denver?
DenverBroncos.com's Susanna Weir writes that Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram "could see increased production during his second season with the team" in 2026. Engram disappointed last year in his first year with the team, catching 50 passes on 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 regular-season games. However, the addition of speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle this year is expected to alter the dynamic of Denver's passing game. Engram should see more one-on-one matchups with defenses devoting more resources to contain Waddle and his big-play abilities. It appears the Broncos' coaching staff has put more trust into Engram this offseason, even if they drafted rookie Justin Joly in the fifth round back in April. The Broncos also have veteran options at the position in Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull, but Engram should be the unquestioned top pass-catching TE if he stays healthy in 2026. Engram will enter his 10th year in the NFL as a cheap TE2 sleeper in deeper fantasy leagues. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 34 fantasy tight end.
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Susanna Weir
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Susanna Weir
Evan Engram a Risky Bounce-Back Bet in Redraft Leagues
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram never came close to becoming the "Joker" that head coach Sean Payton envisioned last summer, and Denver has not cleared an easy path for a rebound. Engram caught 50 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown in 16 games, but usage was the bigger problem: 42% of the offensive snaps and only two starts. Jaylen Waddle now joins Courtland Sutton in the passing game. The Broncos also traded up for fifth-round tight end Justin Joly, another movable receiving option, after spending 2025 rotating Engram with Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins. Waddle could create better matchups underneath. He also gives Bo Nix another proven target, so Engram still needs more playing time before the fantasy case changes. At 31, that cannot just be assumed. RotoBaller ranks him TE35 for redraft, which is about right. Engram can stay on deep-league watch lists, but standard-league managers do not need to chase the name after Denver showed so little interest in making him a full-time player.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram Facing Uphill Battle for Targets in Denver Entering 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram recorded 50 catches for 461 yards and one touchdown on 76 targets. It was a disappointing output for the veteran tight end, who had averaged just under eight targets per game over the previous two seasons as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Denver did not add any significant competition for Engram to its tight end room over the offseason, his target volume could be in line to fall even further in 2026. The Broncos acquired star wideout Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, whom they will add to an already strong wide receiver corps that also includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr. Given that Engram is entering his age-32 season and has several players ahead of him in the pecking order for targets in Denver, a significant bounce-back in his fantasy production looks unlikely. Dynasty managers should be looking to sell Engram for whatever they can get ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Broncos, Sean Payton Agree to New Five-Year Contract
The Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton agreed to a new five-year contract on Thursday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Payton has led the Broncos to the third-most wins in the NFL over the last two years, including an appearance in the AFC Championship game last year. Owner Greg Penner now has both Payton and general manager George Paton under contract through the 2030 season. The 62-year-old Payton had two years remaining on his current contract, with the new five-year deal replacing the old contract. In his third season at the helm in Denver, Payton led the Broncos to a 14-3 regular-season record. The team has gone 32-19 during his three seasons at the helm, increasing their win total each season. The Broncos sent a 2023 first-rounder and 2024 second-rounder to the New Orleans Saints in 2023 to hire Payton, with the team also receiving a 2024 third-round pick in the deal. It's safe to say that the trade has worked out for Denver, as they head into Payton's fourth season in 2026 with playoff aspirations once again.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Evan Engram Continues to See His Dynasty Value Fade
Having never been a true red zone threat and relying ever more on volume to remain fantasy viable, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has seen his dynasty value drop precipitously since turning 30. Working through some early-season injuries, but still managing to play in 16 games, Engram finished his first year in Denver with only one touchdown and the second-lowest yards per route run of his nine-year career, converting his still respectable 71 targets into only 461 receiving yards. With the Broncos trading for a wide receiver in Jaylen Waddle, who has been most successful in catch-and-run situations, and spending two of their seven 2026 draft picks on the tight end position, expectations are low for Engram heading into his 10th season. Set to turn 32 before the start of the year, he is RotoBaller's dynasty TE39 and looks to be little more than end-of-the-roster depth at this point in his career.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Lohner Impresses Sean Payton During Offseason Program
Denver Broncos second-year tight end Caleb Lohner has impressed head coach Sean Payton during the team's offseason workouts, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Lohner only played one year in college, but the Broncos saw enough to draft him in the seventh round last year. The 6-foot-7, 250-pounder obviously has the size to be a red-zone weapon, and Payton said that he "stood out" during rookie minicamp. Payton also said that Lohner is in "great shape." It's worth mentioning, but Lohner still has an uphill battle to make the Broncos' roster out of training camp this summer. Evan Engram remains with the team, and the Broncos also have Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull on the TE depth chart. Lohner spent all of his rookie season on the team's practice squad and could begin there again in 2026. Until further notice, he shouldn't be on the fantasy radar in redraft or dynasty leagues going into the upcoming season.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
