​The Denver Broncos have a glaring need at the tight end position heading into this upcoming season.





The team from the Mile High City might soon be addressing that need.





Multiple NFL sources are reporting that the Broncos are the top candidate to sign free agent tight end and former Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge.

Per multiple sources: The Broncos still remain the top candidate to land TE Gary Barnidge. — Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) July 11, 2017

​​The former Cleveland Brown tight end was released after the NFL Draft. That decision came after the Browns used one of their three first round picks to draft Miami tight end David Njoku, who is expected to make an immediate impact on the team.





Barnidge is coming off a rather disappointing 2016 season, where he had 55 receptions for 612 yards and two touchdowns. That can be attributed to Cleveland's offense being absolutely putrid last season.





The Broncos have weak depth at the tight end position entering the 2017 season. Virgil Green has not impressed as the starting tight end last season, where he had only 22 receptions for 211 yards and just one touchdown.





The Broncos also drafted Jake Butt out of Michigan in the fifth round, but he is fresh off tearing his ACL in his final game at Michigan, so he is not expected to make an immediate impact in his rookie season.





Barnidge would be a smart signing for the Broncos, as he can be the top tight end on the team, mentor Green and Butt, and he can also serve as a security blanket for either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch. Having Demariyus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on the team also takes the defensive pressure off Barnidge and, in turn, could lead to a sort of career resurgence in Denver.





However, also keep an eye on the Baltimore Ravens, as they having a glaring need at the tight end position after Darren Waller received a year-long suspension, as well as Dennis Pitta suffering yet another injury.

LFW: Will the Ravens pursue free-agent TE Gary Barnidge?



: https://t.co/OYyXgug1wf pic.twitter.com/g7W7gtQAw2 — Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 10, 2017

Stay tuned as we will keep you posted on any follow ups on this report.