The Denver Broncos made a major splash this offseason by signing Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract, aiming to revamp a position that had become a glaring weakness by the end of the 2024 season. But while Engram adds veteran stability and pass-catching prowess, the Broncos’ tight end room remains paper-thin in terms of proven depth — something that could limit their offensive flexibility as the team looks to turn a corner.
Enter Chigoziem Okonkwo.
With the Tennessee Titans entering full rebuild mode after a 3-14 finish and the selection of quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, Okonkwo finds himself in a precarious position. Once seen as a rising star in Tennessee, the 25-year-old tight end now faces competition from incoming fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm, and a franchise that may be more focused on developing younger, cost-controlled talent for the long haul.
A fourth-round selection out of Maryland in 2022, Okonkwo quickly drew attention for his rare blend of size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds) and speed, carving out a steady role in a struggling offense. Over his first three NFL seasons, he has been quietly productive — averaging 46 receptions, 486 yards, and two touchdowns per year — and, impressively, has never missed a game, racking up 51 straight appearances.
As noted by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, Okonkwo is one of Tennessee’s most valuable trade assets. And with the Titans beginning a multi-year overhaul, draft capital will likely be their top priority. That opens the door for a potential low-cost acquisition by Denver, who could reasonably offer a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft to bring Okonkwo aboard for the final year of his rookie deal.
This is exactly the kind of calculated risk teams take when aiming to build depth without breaking the bank. For Denver, acquiring Okonkwo would provide insurance behind Engram and add another dynamic weapon for whoever wins the team’s quarterback battle this summer. For Okonkwo, it’s a chance to showcase himself ahead of free agency in a more stable offensive environment — and potentially earn a bigger contract next spring.
Denver has already made strides in reshaping its offensive identity, and adding a second high-upside tight end would be another step in the right direction. If the Broncos are serious about competing in the AFC West, bolstering the tight end group with a proven, athletic option like Okonkwo might be a smart and timely move.
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