The Denver Broncos are all-in on Bo Nix, and that has meant investing in the playmakers around him, with tight end Evan Engram headlining this offseason. However, the Broncos could have an opportunity to upgrade their depth with a trade for Darnell Washington, currently of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
KOA.com’s Zach Segars suggested the Broncos should pursue Washington.
Moreover, Segars suggested a pair of trade packages that could land the 6-foot-7, 250-plus pound Washington in a Broncos uniform.
Segars’ “likely trade terms” featured the Broncos sending a future sixth-round pick to the Steelers for Washington, noting that Denver lacks a sixth-rounder in 2026 but that Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan’s job security could make him more amenable to a lesser return.
Broncos get:
- Darnell Washington
Steelers get:
- 2027 sixth-round pick
Segars’ other trade idea, deemed an “alternative” package, would see the Broncos send Adam Trautman to the Steelers while swapping sixth-round picks. Trautman led Broncos tight ends with 188 receiving yards in 2024.
Washington caught 19 passes for 200 yards and 1 touchdown in 2024, which would have at least tied him for the Broncos’ lead in receptions and yardage at his position.
It could also underscore why the Broncos should consider a trade for Washington.
Broncos Urged to Trade For Steelers TE Darnell Washington
GettyDarnell Washington #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers blocks Darius Slay Jr. #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Segars’ suggestion for the Broncos to trade for Washington, the No. 93 pick of the 2023 draft, comes after the Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith in a trade with the Miami Dolphins this spring.
They also have Pat Freiermuth under contract, which could make Washington expendable.
“The Denver Broncos should make a real push to trade for Darnell Washington,” Segars wrote on July 3. “The need is extremely apparent, he’s a natural fit in the offense, he offers both long-term upside and an immediate remedy to one of Denver’s most pressing roster concerns, and he’s a cheap asset to acquire.
“Even if they’re initially shut down by the win-now mindset of the Steelers, they should make a point to circle back before the NFL trade deadline. By late October, Pittsburgh’s lofty aspirations might already be up in flames, making Washington even cheaper to add than he would be now.”
#Steelers Darnell Washington said he dropped 10-15 pounds. Mason Rudolph said he looks like a different player.
Washington had a 7-61-0 line as a rookie, so he has never been much of a receiving threat, but the Broncos do not need that.
Pro Football Focus graded Washington as the 10th-best run-blocking tight end overall.
Washington ranked ninth-best in zone blocking schemes, but he was 84th in gap blocking, though. Still, Trautman ranked 22nd overall and in zone blocking, while checking in at 92nd overall in gap.
Broncos TE Room Deep
GettyDarnell Washington #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hurdles over a defender against the Indianapolis Colts.
A trade for Washington would give the Broncos seven tight ends heading into training camp without a corresponding move.
Engram sits atop the Broncos’ depth chart, but uncertainty looms behind him. In addition to Trautman, the Broncos return Lucas Krull, who led the team’s tight ends in receptions, the versatile Nate Adkins, and have rookie seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner.
Trautman is a blocker like Washington.
Watch the combo block here from #Steelers TE Darnell Washington and LT Dan Moore Jr. Folds in the left side of the Denver defense.
That’s how it’s drawn up.
Huge lane for Jaylen Warren to burst through for 11 yards.
Krull was an offseason program darling in 2024, while Lohner is a receiving threat, but was a basketball player with one season of collegiate experience on the football field.
