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The Denver Broncos have been exploring ways to upgrade their struggling offense, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they made a bold inquiry to the Arizona Cardinals regarding the availability of All-Pro tight end Trey McBride. Schefter reported on Saturday that the Broncos have been checking in around the league on tight ends, and their pursuit led them to McBride, a Fort Morgan, Colorado native and Colorado State product. However, the Cardinals made it abundantly clear that they have no intention of trading their star tight end.
Denver's interest in McBride is hardly surprising. In Week 7 against the Broncos, McBride delivered his best performance of the season, hauling in 10 passes on 13 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown. Following that game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton spent considerable time conversing with McBride, visibly admiring his skill set. The connection is obvious: McBride is not only a Colorado native but also a lifelong Broncos fan.
Despite the rejection, the inquiry itself could be seen as a strategic move. As the saying goes, it never hurts to ask, though it might ruffle some feathers. The Cardinals could simply be playing hard to get, and in the NFL, every player has a price. For Arizona to part with arguably the best tight end in football, it would likely require a king's ransom—perhaps a pair of first-round picks for the 2022 second-round selection. At just 26 years old, McBride's value is immense, leaving uncertainty about what it would truly take for Arizona to consider a deal.
Key Analysis
From a football perspective, the Broncos' interest in McBride raises questions about usage. Given quarterback Bo Nix's tendency to avoid the middle of the field and his relative neglect of targeting tight ends, would Denver truly maximize a talent like McBride? The Broncos signed Evan Engram in free agency last year, but he finished third on the team in receiving and failed to meet expectations, posting one of his worst statistical seasons as a pro. This year, Engram's production has dipped even further. While the Broncos' interest in McBride is understandable, he may not be the right fit for Denver at this moment.
Nevertheless, the Broncos deserve credit for their boldness. Fortune favors the bold, and you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. With the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Denver has one more game before then. The focus likely remains on upgrading the running back position, but Schefter's report suggests the Broncos are cultivating an aggressive mindset ahead of the deadline. Stay tuned.