The Denver Broncos could look at adding a free agent tight end in Jermaine Gresham or Zach Miller after the injury to Jeff Heuerman after the draft, as he will be out for the season and this comes as Owen Daniels and Virgil Green are the likely starters for Peyton Manning heading into training camp this year.
The Broncos come into offseason workouts with Manning back under center at quarterback, but they have a new head coach in Gary Kubiak. Daniels was signed in the offseason and Green was brought back and now those players will be the primary replacements for Julius Thomas. The Broncos did not want to pay a ton of money to Thomas
Gresham had surgery this offseason on his back and that is one reason why he is not yet signed to a deal by anyone. Gresham has had a solid run with the Bengals and he has had interest this offseason from the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders. The Broncos like to use their tight ends a lot and Manning found Thomas 24 times over the past two seasons for touchdowns. The Broncos likely want some depth at the position with Green being inexperienced and Daniels dealing with injuries over the past couple seasons.
Daniels signed a three-year, $12 million contract this offseason and he comes in after making 48 catches for 527 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games in Baltimore. The Broncos felt comfortable allowing Thomas to leave with Green being re-signed, as he has similar size and has the potential to break out just like Thomas did over the last two years. Green only has 23 career receptions, but he has the chance to be a strong red zone target for Manning and the Broncos.
Heuerman played four years at Ohio State and he is expected to make a full recovery for next season, according to DenverBroncos.com. Heuerman was expected to contribute for Peyton Manning and help the Broncos replace Julius Thomas, who signed with Jacksonville in the offseason. Heuerman has dealt with injuries in the past and he comes in after being the number 92 pick in the draft in the third round by the Broncos.
Gary Kubiak brought in Daniels on a free agent deal to help make up for Thomas, but he has dealt with injury issues the past few seasons. Heuerman played four years at Ohio State, including 14 games in each of the past two seasons. Heuerman didn't have off the chart numbers, but over the past two years he had over 600 yards receiving and he comes in after making 52 catches for 792 yards and seven touchdowns at OSU.