Adam Trautman

Adam Trautman Bio

Adam Trautman (born February 5, 1997) is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 253 pounds, Trautman has established himself as a versatile tight end known for his elite run-blocking ability and reliable hands. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft (105th overall) after a standout collegiate career at the University of Dayton. Prior to the 2023 season, he was traded to the Broncos, where he has continued to develop as a key component of the team’s offensive scheme under head coach Sean Payton.

Early Life and Background

Adam Trautman grew up in Williamsburg, Michigan, where he attended Elk Rapids High School. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and basketball, earning All-County selections in both sports. On the football field, Trautman set every major school passing record and demonstrated the athletic versatility that would later translate to his tight end position. His exceptional senior season earned him the Lake Michigan Conference Player of the Year award, highlighting his status as one of the top high school players in the region.

While Trautman showed promise as a football player in high school, his path to the NFL was not conventional. He redshirted during his true freshman season at the University of Dayton and made a crucial position change from quarterback to tight end. This transition proved pivotal, as it allowed him to leverage his size, athleticism, and football intelligence into a new role that would eventually lead him to professional football.

Path to American Football

Trautman’s journey from a small-program college player to an NFL starter required patience and persistent development. After his position change, he spent several seasons refining his technique as a tight end while building chemistry with quarterbacks and learning the intricacies of the position. His work ethic and physical tools caught the attention of scouts, and his production steadily increased each season.

His breakthrough came during his senior season at Dayton in 2019, when he delivered a record-setting performance. Trautman caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning Pioneer Football League (PFL) Offensive Player of the Year honors and First-team All-PFL recognition. He finished his collegiate career with 171 receptions for 2,295 yards and 31 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive tight ends in Dayton Flyers history. His performance earned him an invitation to the 2020 Senior Bowl, where he continued to impress professional scouts.

Adam Trautman Career

New Orleans Saints (2020–2022)

Adam Trautman was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 105th overall pick. He became the first Dayton football player to be drafted since Bill Westbeld in 1977, representing a significant milestone for the small-school program. Trautman made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the first Dayton player to appear in an NFL game in 45 years.

His first career reception came on Monday Night Football on September 21, 2020, when he caught a 17-yard pass from Drew Brees in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Trautman recorded his first professional touchdown in Week 9 against the Buccaneers, finishing with three receptions for 39 yards in the 38-3 victory. He closed his rookie season with 15 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown, earning recognition as the best rookie tight end and best run-blocking tight end in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

Trautman entered the 2021 season as the Saints’ starting tight end after the team released Jared Cook. He demonstrated consistent improvement in his second year before suffering an injury that required him to be placed on injured reserve in November. He was activated in December and finished the season with 27 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, he recorded 18 receptions for 207 yards and one touchdown during his final season with the Saints.

Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)

On April 29, 2023, Trautman was traded to the Denver Broncos along with the 257th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange for the 195th pick. This move reunited him with Sean Payton, who had become the Broncos’ head coach after serving as the Saints’ head coach during Trautman’s rookie season. The trade represented a new chapter in Trautman’s career as he transitioned to a prominent role with his new team.

Trautman became the Broncos’ starting tight end throughout the 2023 season, appearing in all 17 games with 12 starts. He recorded 22 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his reliability as a red-zone target and run-blocker. His familiarity with Payton’s offensive system provided immediate chemistry and allowed for a smooth transition to his new team.

On March 13, 2024, Trautman signed a two-year contract extension with the Broncos, securing his future with the organization. In March 2026, the Broncos further committed to Trautman by signing him to a three-year, $17 million extension, reflecting his value to the team. Throughout his tenure with the Broncos, Trautman has established himself as a consistent presence in the offense and a leader in the tight end room.

Playing Style and Strengths

Adam Trautman is widely recognized for his exceptional run-blocking ability, which has earned him consistent praise from coaches and analysts. His transition from quarterback to tight end provided him with a unique understanding of offensive schemes, making him a versatile asset in both passing and running situations. At 6 feet 5 inches and 253 pounds, he possesses the size to match up against defensive ends and linebackers while maintaining the agility to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs. His football intelligence, developed during his time as a quarterback, allows him to read defenses effectively and find open spaces in zone coverage.

Notable Events and Milestones

During his rookie season, Trautman was involved in a memorable humorous incident during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he scored his first career touchdown, the Buccaneers’ scoring display system was unable to locate a photograph of Trautman and instead displayed an image of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff. The mix-up became a talking point and highlighted Trautman’s rise from a small-school prospect to an NFL player. He has continued to build on this foundation, reaching notable statistical milestones while maintaining his role as one of the league’s top run-blocking tight ends.

Adam Trautman Career Statistics

Through the 2025 NFL season, Adam Trautman has established himself as a reliable NFL tight end with consistent production across four-plus seasons. His career includes stops with both the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos, with his most productive years coming as a starter in Payton’s offensive systems.

NFL Career Highlights

Trautman’s NFL career statistics as of the 2025 season include 115 receptions for 1,228 yards and 10 touchdowns. His rookie season with the Saints was particularly impressive, as he recorded 171 receiving yards on just 15 receptions with one touchdown while being named the best rookie tight end by Pro Football Focus. His 2023 season with the Broncos saw him match his career-high in receiving touchdowns with three, demonstrating his value as a red-zone target despite moderate overall receiving numbers.

College Career Statistics

Prior to his NFL career, Trautman built an impressive collegiate resume at the University of Dayton. Over four seasons, he recorded 171 receptions for 2,295 yards and 31 touchdowns. His senior season was his most productive, as he caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning PFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. These numbers established him as one of the most prolific receivers in Dayton Flyers history and paved the way for his NFL draft selection.

Adam Trautman Personal Life

Education

Adam Trautman attended the University of Dayton where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic commitment demonstrates the balance he maintained between his athletic career and educational pursuits during his collegiate years. This background in engineering reflects his analytical approach to football and his ability to quickly learn complex offensive schemes.

Professional Recognition

Trautman’s collegiate achievements include being named PFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, First-team All-PFL in 2019, and two-time Second-team All-PFL selections in 2017 and 2018. He was also recognized as the best rookie tight end and best run-blocking tight end in the NFL during his rookie season, establishing early in his professional career that he possessed elite skills at his position.

2025 Season Performance

Entering the 2025 NFL season, Adam Trautman was entering his sixth professional season and second full year under his contract extension with the Denver Broncos. His long-term commitment from the organization reflected confidence in his continued development as a foundational piece of the team’s tight end group. Trautman’s familiarity with Sean Payton’s offensive system, which dates back to his time with the Saints, provided him with a significant advantage in understanding playbook concepts and route timing.

Throughout the 2025 season, Trautman served as a consistent target for the Broncos’ quarterback while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s premier run-blocking tight ends. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and blocker made him a valuable asset in multiple offensive packages. The Broncos coaching staff continued to utilize his versatility, deploying him in various formations to create mismatches against opposing defenses.

The outlook for Trautman’s career remained positive as he entered the prime years of his professional career. With his combination of size, technical skill, football intelligence, and proven durability, he positioned himself as a reliable contributor for the Broncos’ offense for years to come. His journey from a small-school prospect at Dayton to a key player in the NFL demonstrates his work ethic and adaptability at the highest level of football.