Reports: Denver Broncos work out former Arkansas, Florida QB Feleipe Franks as tight end

Feleipe Franks, who played quarterback at both Florida and Arkansas, is hoping that the Broncos will offer him a spot on the team.

But as a hybrid tight end. Franks was one of seven free agents who were trying out for roster spots as the Broncos go through mandatory minicamp.

Chris Tomasson, who covers the Broncos, reported that the seven players are Franks, receiver Ra’shaun Henry, defensive back Kyler McMichael, tight end Hunter Kampmoyer, defensive lineman Blaine Hoover, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and outside linebacker Andre Smith.

#Broncos have seven tryout players at this week's minicamp: Ra'shaun Henry, Kyler McMichael, Hunter Kampmoyer, Blaine Hoover, Jordan Kunaszyk, Andre Smith, Feleipe Franks. Franks was a QB at Florida and Arkansas and is now a tight end.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 12, 2024

It’s true that Denver is in need of a starting quarterback. Russell Wilson is in Pittsburgh and the Broncos likely will choose from rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Each of the three quarterbacks has received reps in off season drills with the first team offense.

Franks is athletic and at 6-5, 234 pounds is built like a tight end. His brother, Jordan, also is a tight end.

NFL teams passed over Feleipe in the draft back in 2021 as a quarterback. But he landed with the Falcons, where he spent two seasons. He was a third string quarterback his first season. Then by 2022 training camp, he was working out as a tight end. In his time in Atlanta, Franks was in uniform for 20 games as a hybrid quarterback/tight end. In August of 2023, the Falcons placed Franks on injured reserve.

So enter the Broncos. It’s unclear whether they’ll offer Franks a roster spot. Coach Sean Payton turned the Broncos loose on Wednesday, canceling the final day of minicamp. The team doesn’t get back together until training camp. That’s about six weeks away.

“Felt like we really had a good offseason program,” Payton told reporters. “Obviously, the key for all of these guys is the five-and-a-half weeks they’re away of maintaining their conditioning level. There will be a few guys that stay here obviously rehabbing injuries, but overall I thought it went well.”

The Broncos quarterbacks still don’t have a clear leader. Jarrett Stidham was on the team last season. Denver traded with the Jets for Zach Wilson, the one-time No. 2 pick of the draft. Then the Broncos selected for Oregon star Bo Nix with the 12th pick of this year’s draft.

During OTAs, Payton would assign a day for each quarterback to take first-team reps.

“We always talk about the locker room and the players in the locker room,” Payton said when talking quarterbacks. “I think when we get into training camp and we get into the preseason games, I think oftentimes the decisions take care of themselves.”