Broncos Bring Back TE Nate Adkins on 1-Year Deal

Tight end returns to Denver after injury-plagued 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with tight end Nate Adkins on a one-year contract, bringing back the 26-year-old who played in just nine games last season due to injuries. Adkins is known for his blocking ability and played over 700 snaps for the Broncos in 2024 across offense and special teams.

Why it matters

The Broncos are looking to bolster their tight end depth after a season where injuries decimated the position group. Adkins' return provides experience and a physical presence in the run game as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Adkins was a restricted free agent this offseason. He will join a tight end room that includes Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, and Caleb Lohner. In 2025, Adkins underwent tight-rope surgery for a high-ankle sprain in training camp and then strained his posterior cruciate ligament in October, limiting him to just nine games. When healthy, Adkins is used primarily as a blocker and played 33% of the Broncos' offensive snaps in 2025.

  • Adkins agreed to the one-year deal on March 9, 2026.
  • In 2024, Adkins played 420 offensive snaps and 280 on special teams for the Broncos.

The players

Nate Adkins

A 26-year-old tight end who has spent the last three seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Evan Engram

A tight end currently under contract with the Denver Broncos.

Adam Trautman

A tight end who recently agreed to a three-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

Caleb Lohner

A tight end currently under contract with the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“Tight end Nate Adkins is returning to the Broncos on a one-year deal.”

— Parker Gabriel, Reporter, The Denver Post (The Denver Post)

What’s next

The Broncos will look to integrate Adkins back into the offense and see if he can stay healthy after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Broncos are betting on Nate Adkins' blocking ability and experience to help bolster their tight end depth as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Adkins' return provides stability and competition at a key position group for the team.