While it might seem like the Denver Broncos don't really need more weapons on offense, they are monitoring the tight end market, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. 

Their interest isn’t as incongruous as it might seem. Coach Sean Payton knows he has a championship defense, and adding another tight end to his receiving corps could be what gets Denver over top as they battle the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers for the top spot in the AFC West. 

The Broncos have gotten production from their tight ends, but it hasn’t been great. They signed free agent tight end Evan Engram to a two- year, $23 million contract, and Engram has overcome some early injuries to become a viable weapon for quarterback Bo Nix. 

But Payton might be looking for something else in this particular tight end search. His offensive line has been banged up at left guard, and given that both of his running backs, J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, are basically speed options, having a blocking tight end to open outside lanes for them might be especially valuable. Payton also likes to get Nix on the move, and a tight end could be used to chip-block linebackers and provide a safety valve target during his rollouts. 

There are a couple of names who might fit the bill here. One is Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith, who’s an absolute beast of a blocker with good hands who has the speed and power to  rumble through opposing secondaries once he secures the ball. Smith has supposedly recovered from the hip injury that sidelined him, but he's barely played and has just one catch for ten yards on the season. 

The Steelers could be buyers at the deadline, but if they want to unload Smith a deal could be made. His contract number doesn’t spike until next year, which makes him a viable gamble if Payton wants to go there. 

Another name that would makes sense for Denver is Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. The 1-7 Titans recently hung on the “For Sale” sign on everyone but rookie quarterback and star lineman Jeffrey Simmons, so this, too, could happen if the Broncos are willing to give up the draft capital. 

Nix’s development t is accelerating rapidly, so it would also make sense for Payton and GM George Paton to go all-in on this kind of move. It’s an intriguing development to watch going forward, and the available names and skill sets feel right if a match can be finalized.