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Latest NFL development exposes the Denver Broncos ahead of the upcoming trade deadline

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Zientek | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 7:10 PM ET

The Denver Broncos may have shown their hand with what they were not able to accomplish ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Head coach Sean Payton and the front office were eagerly trying to pick up a blocking tight end via the waiver system, but after striking out twice, they made their intentions even clearer.

It's been reported that the Broncos have been looking around the league for some additional tight end help, and the latest NFL development showed their hand. The team is trying to bring in some outside help, which could spell bad news after tight end Nate Adkins' injury.

Adam Schefter reported that the Broncos put in a waiver claim Monday for tight ends Brendan Bates and Ben Sims, but both the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings had a higher claim and were awarded the players. Bates to Cleveland and Sims to Minnesota.

Broncos put in waiver claims Monday for TE Brendan Bates and TE Ben Sims. But Cleveland had a higher claim and was awarded Bates, and Minnesota had a higher claim and was awarded Sims.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2025

Current tight ends on the Denver Broncos roster

After the news broke, Mike Klis from 9News shared the same sentiment in that it's not looking good, potentially, for Adkins' availability. The Broncos are clearly looking for another blocking tight end after Adkins' knee injury and Lucas Krull's undergoing foot surgery.

Nothing relaxes a team's poker face like failed a waiver claim. Sources confirm Broncos put in waiver claims on two "blocking" TEs yesterday, GB's Ben Sims and HOU's Brenden Bates, but got neither as MIN and CLE had higher waiver priorities.
It means Nate Adkins' knee injury - at…
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) October 28, 2025

While there was hope that Adkins' injury wasn't too severe, the team is looking at outside options in his potential absence. Payton has long expressed how important Adkins is for the vision and the long-term success of the offense, especially in the team's evolving run-heavy offensive approach at times this season.

Despite missing out on the two tight ends, Payton and the front office got to work. Per the NFL wire, the Broncos worked out tight end Mercedes Lewis, who is a 19-year veteran in the league. With his age and experience, it would be a great addition while the team navigates injury.

Per wire, Broncos worked out TE Mercedes Lewis today. He’s 41, 19-year NFL veteran. Played 17 games for Bears each of previous two years. Had 5 catches combined in 23-24 so he’s settled into blocking role.
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) October 28, 2025

All signs point to growing concern about Adkins' knee injury. The Broncos' scramble for outside help underscores just how vital he's become to Payton's offense. If Denver can't land a replacement soon, the team may need to rework its blocking packages and quickly, with a pivotal stretch of the season looming.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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