Jacob

Tamme

The Denver Post is already on the record as expecting the Broncos to sign former Peyton Manning confidant Dallas Clark, but Clark’s recent injury history would necessitate a capable backup. Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards in 10 games after Clark was lost for the season in 2010. At the rate former Colts are getting connected to the Broncos, Marvin Harrison might want to consider getting in shape.

The same is true of Reggie Wayne and Jacob Tamme. Unlike Wayne and Tamme, the Colts have attempted to re-sign Garcon, but the Indianapolis Star characterized the talks as “futile” last week. Garcon is extremely unlikely to top the five-year, $35 million deal he reportedly rejected in February on the open market. If he does, he’ll be incredibly overpaid.

Tamme left his Seahawks visit without a deal, but it would be far from surprising if he never left Denver. A pure pass catcher, Tamme racked up 67 receptions for 631 yards in just 10 games while filling in for Dallas Clark in 2010. He’d almost certainly be a part of a pass-catching tight end duo in Denver, perhaps with fellow free agent Clark.

This is hardly a surprise based on the signings of Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, who will team with physical freak Julius Thomas and H-back Virgil Green. The Broncos also lack an impact slot receiver, with Andre Caldwell and Brandon Stokley expected to share duties. Denver will go heavy on two-tight end sets, and Tamme figures to pace the field in snaps. He’s a borderline top-12 fantasy option.

According to NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora the Seahawks are “very intent” on signing Tamme after losing John Carlson to the Vikings. With strong interest from the Packers and Titans, Saturday is weighing all three options rather than simply following Peyton Manning to Denver.

Meanwhile, we continue to hear nothing but the sound of crickets on Dallas Clark. While a Tamme-Dreessen combination would work well for the Broncos, it would be a quagmire in fantasy terms. Neither tight end is strong after the catch, though they both can get open and catch the ball.

The John Carlson contract in Minnesota was a curveball for the tight-end market, so it’s forgivable that Tamme would be seeking something at least close to that range. Tamme is a much more accomplished NFL player than Carlson. The Broncos reportedly “blanched” at Tamme’s asking price, however, and he may have to bring it down in order to sign a contract soon.

He’ll be the slot/"move” tight end in Denver’s offense, with Joel Dreessen playing on the line of scrimmage. Reuniting with Peyton Manning, Tamme will be a popular sleeper to target as a TE2 toward the end of fantasy drafts. He runs a 4.6-flat at 6-foot-4, 236, and has a knack for getting open. In 2010, Tamme racked up 67 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns, finishing as the No. 15 fantasy tight end despite starting only eight games. Tamme just turned 27.

It’s the first we’ve heard of Tamme since the beginning of free agency. A pure pass catcher, he wouldn’t be a good fit in a Seahawks offense that’s called on its tight ends to do little more than block under Pete Carroll.

The Colts have gotten more specific with Clark’s injury, labeling it a fibula issue as opposed to “leg.” Being ruled out by mid-week is perhaps a sign that Clark won’t be ready by next week, either. Jacob Tamme will start against the Patriots. It’s worth noting that Tamme was Dan Orlovsky’s favorite target in relief of Curtis Painter three weeks ago.