Mismatch Machine Activated: Engram x Bo Nix = Mayhem

Adam Trautman thinks Evan Engram is a seamless fit into the Denver Broncos offense, even if his addition may cost him some catches.

Trautman spoke about playing alongside the two-time Pro Bowl tight end, who signed a two-year, $23 million deal to serve as quarterback Bo Nix’s security blanket in the middle of the field, while also exploiting opposing mismatches.

Trautman led all Broncos tight ends in receiving yards (188) in 2024 on just 13 catches. He also scored two touchdowns.

But he feels Broncos tight ends are in for a more productive year in 2025.

What Did Adam Trautman Say About Evan Engram?

Broncos tight ends amassed just 483 receiving yards in 2024, so it’s safe to assume Engram will help that number go up this season.

Engram is just one year removed from a 114-catch, 963-yard campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars that sent him to the Pro Bowl. He went through an injury-marred 2024 season — he played just nine games — but still would have led Broncos tight ends with 47 catches for 365 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s going to fit in really well,” Trautman said of Engram. “He’s super Twitchy, super athletic, super fast, works really hard. He’s been a great addition to our room, not only as a player but as a person as well. He’s an awesome dude.”

Trautman was also asked about the potential for Engram to play in what is known as the joker role — a hybrid-type tight end/H-back/wide receiver position that line up anywhere and exploit mismatches.

Broncos coach Sean Payton was reportedly seeking that specific type of player in free agency, and Trautman believes he found it in Engram.

“It’s probably just a guy you can move, mismatch and put in different thing,” Trautman said of the joker role. “Evan’s also a very-smart player so he’ll fit right in.”

What Did Adam Trautman Say About Playing For Sean Payton?

Trautman has played for Payton in four of his five NFL seasons, split between the Broncos and New Orleans Saints. But he is excited about the culture Payton has built in three seasons steering the ship in Denver.

“I think we are trending in the absolute right direction,” Trautman said. “Guys are completely bought in, and we’re ready to go.”

The Broncos are coming off a surprise playoff berth in Bo Nix’s rookie season at quarterback, and Payton and the Broncos are committed to growing on the 10-7 campaign where they snapped their almost-decade-long playoff drought.

Trautman has seen the the culture improvements first hand in their competitive practices that stay within the boundaries of a team. With other teams fighting amongst themselves in practice across the NFL, the Broncos have not had that in their practice sessions during camp.

Trautman credits Payton for that.

“Fortunately, coach Payton and the front office, we built the right culture,” Trautman said. “With the retention of our roster, the culture that was built here initially, it didn’t leave. It never left.

“We have everyone that we had originally that built this thing from the bottom-up, so I’m very excited.”