The Denver Broncos have explored the tight end market ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, including an inquiry about Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride, as they seek more production from the position.

Denver sits alone atop the AFC West at 6-2, but starting tight end Evan Engram has just 13 catches for 136 yards and one touchdown through eight games. He went without a reception on three targets in last week’s 28-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter detailed the Broncos’ interest Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, sharing an update from a trade-deadline report he co-wrote with Ian Rapoport.

The Denver Broncos have checked in around the league on tight ends, going so far as to ambitiously — and some would say outrageously — check on Cardinals star Trey McBride, who is from Fort Morgan, Colorado, and played at Colorado State. The Cardinals made it very clear they… https://t.co/fz5M8XuzSF pic.twitter.com/7M5uZb4uKo

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2026

McBride leads the NFL with 66 receptions on 86 targets this season after earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2025. That total includes 10 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos in Week 7, when Denver won 30-16 in Glendale.

The star tight end’s Colorado roots add another layer to Denver’s interest. He grew up a Broncos fan in Fort Morgan and played at Colorado State, so a trade would bring him home to the team he supported as a child.

Arizona’s stance on McBride comes despite its willingness to move other players. The Cardinals have already sent quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, showing that their deadline activity depends on the player involved.

The full report indicates the Broncos turned their attention elsewhere after the Cardinals rejected the inquiry. It does not establish that the teams discussed compensation or that Denver submitted an offer for McBride.

Engram’s contract expires after this season, adding a longer-term consideration at the position beyond Denver’s immediate needs.

With Tuesday’s November 10 NFL trade deadline approaching, the Broncos continue searching for tight end help while the Cardinals remain unwilling to move McBride.