Philadelphia Eagles acquire TE Albert Okwuegbunam from Denver Broncos

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired tight end Albert Okwuegbunam from the Denver Broncos, further strengthening their offense ahead of the 2023 season.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Denver traded the 25-year-old and a 2025 seventh-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Schefter noted that the Broncos planned to waive Okwuegbunam before the Eagles expressed interest. Okwuegbunam will fight for targets in Philadelphia’s prolific offense and serve as the backup to Dallas Goedert.

Okwuegbunam, Denver’s fourth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Missouri, came in with high expectations as the tight end of the future. He, however, struggled to carve out a role in the offense. He suited up in 26 games (seven starts), hauling in 54 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns.

In Denver’s final preseason game, a 41-0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Okwuegbunam recorded a team-high 109 yards on seven receptions and a score. Many thought he had locked up his spot on the 53-man roster, but head coach Sean Payton had other ideas.

Broncos go in different direction after trading Albert Okwuegbunam

Former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, who hosts a morning show on 104.3 The Fan in Denver, explained why Okwuegbunam was in line to be cut Tuesday. Schlereth showed a play from the game in which the Broncos lined up in 13 personnel (three-tight end set). Okwuegbunam was pushed to his left about 12 feet while attempting to block his man.

There is more to making a football team, then just catching passes. #broncos pic.twitter.com/cIh4huVlFq

— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) August 29, 2023

“This is Sean Payton building culture,” Schlereth said. “He got put 12 feet beyond where he was supposed to make the cut off. It’s garbage, that’s why he’s looking for work.”

Denver will instead move forward with Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich leading its tight end room. The Broncos acquired Trautman in a Draft Day trade from the New Orleans Saints. Given his familiarity in Payton’s offense, it’s no surprise to see him atop the initial depth chart. In 43 games (28 starts) in New Orleans, Trautman hauled in 60 receptions for 641 yards and four touchdowns.

Dulcich, Denver’s third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCLA, will compliment him. Dulcich stood out last season, hauling in 33 receptions for 411 yards and two scores in 10 games (six starts).