Denver, CO – March 25, 2026. The Denver Broncos made a significant move by finalizing a deal with tight end Eli Stowers, a player who made a strong impression at the NFL Combine.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 239 pounds, Stowers impressed at the Combine with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his agility and ability to play flexibly.
He also posted a 45.5-inch vertical and an 11'3" broad jump, reinforcing his athleticism, which is crucial for a tight end in today’s modern offensive systems.
“I’m excited to join the Broncos. This is an amazing opportunity to prove myself and contribute to the team’s success.” Stowers said about his decision to join Denver.
Stowers is a tight end who excels not only in receiving but also in creating versatile offensive plays within Sean Payton’s system, offering flexibility and mismatches for the defense.
Payton is known for using tight ends in a “Joker” role, allowing them to move around the formation and create matchup problems for the opposition.
This is exactly where Stowers would fit early in his career. He can line up both on the outside and in the slot, creating separation from linebackers and challenging defensive backs.
By adding Stowers, the Broncos would gain a versatile weapon who can contribute both in short-yardage and deep passing situations, making the team harder to predict.
In his final two seasons at Vanderbilt, Stowers recorded 111 receptions for 1,407 yards and 9 touchdowns, proving himself as a top-tier tight end prospect.
In addition to his receiving ability, Stowers also creates separation with his size and speed, which will make him a dangerous asset for the Broncos.
With Stowers’ addition, the Broncos will gain a new dynamic threat alongside Evan Engram, who has played the “Joker” role for the team but will be in the final year of his contract.
In Payton’s system, Stowers will have the opportunity to showcase his movement ability and make a difference in offensive schemes, not just in receiving but also in blocking.
The Broncos’ current tight end depth chart includes Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull, but Stowers will add depth and versatility to their offensive lineup.
Payton’s system requires tight ends who can move flexibly and participate in both the running and passing game. Stowers perfectly meets that demand.
This addition won’t just help improve depth, but also provide quarterback Bo Nix with another quality target, adding variety to the offensive game plan.
Signing Stowers is also a long-term move for the Broncos as they aim to build for the future at the tight end position, not just for this season but in the years to come.
Although Stowers may not immediately be the starter, his flexibility and ability to contribute right away make him a valuable asset who could quickly become an important part of the team.
With the addition of Stowers, the Broncos will have a stronger, more dynamic offensive lineup, ready to compete for titles in the 2026 season.
“I’m really looking forward to working with this team, and I hope to help the Broncos secure more victories.” Stowers concluded about his decision to join Denver.
Experts predict that adding Stowers will make a significant difference for the Broncos, providing them with more flexibility and efficiency in their offensive strategies.
