After four years with the team, Charles Clay has been released by the Buffalo Bills. His 178 receptions with the team put him at No. 4 among tight ends in team history.
But after a down year in 2018, in which he caught just 21 passes for 184 yards, it was clear that Clay didn’t fit into the team’s plans any longer. At 30 years old, his best days are likely behind him, but another team could still get something out of him.
That team could be the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos were among a handful of teams interested in Clay when he became a free agent following the 2014 season, but he signed with Buffalo after leaving the Miami Dolphins.
The Broncos should have the tight end position as one to address in the draft, but taking a flier on Clay isn’t a terrible idea either.
Jeff Heuerman is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and behind him, the team has Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli, two players who have already exhibited problems with injuries.
Even if the Broncos were to sign Clay, the team could still draft another tight end if Heuerman is not re-signed. The team could then go into 2019 with Clay, a rookie tight end and the player they believe can stay healthy and help the team the most between Butt and Fumagalli.
Denver has struggled to find a tight end that can stretch the field in the passing game. The veteran Clay could bring a new element to the passing game.
He has had at least 49 receptions in five of the last six seasons and has 23 career touchdown receptions while averaging over 10 yards per catch.
In other words, the team could do much worse at a position which is clearly a need.
