Denver Broncos Lucas Krull ERFA Tender: What It Means for the Team and the Player
In the NFL offseason, news about tenders and contracts often flies under the radar. But when the Denver Broncos extended an ERFA tender to tight end Lucas Krull, it sparked interest among fans and analysts alike. What does this mean for Krull’s future in Denver? And what exactly is an Denver Broncos Lucas Krull ERFA Tender?
In this article, we’ll explore the full story in easy-to-understand language, break down what an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) tender is, and explain why this small transaction could be more important than it seems.
Who Is Lucas Krull?
Lucas Krull is a young tight end who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022. After playing college football at Pittsburgh, he signed with the New Orleans Saints and later joined the Denver Broncos practice squad.
Known for his height (6’6”) and catching ability, Krull offers potential as a receiving tight end. In a league where tight ends are increasingly valuable, players like Krull can quietly develop into important contributors.
What Is an ERFA Tender?
ERFA stands for Exclusive Rights Free Agent. This applies to players who have:
- Fewer than three accrued seasons in the NFL.
- Contracts that have expired.
If a team offers an ERFA tender, the player cannot negotiate with other teams. Essentially, it gives the team full control over re-signing the player for a one-year minimum-salary deal.
So, when the Broncos extended the ERFA tender to Krull, they signaled that they want to keep him in the building for another year—likely on a budget-friendly deal.
Why Did the Broncos Tender Lucas Krull?
The Broncos are in a tight end rebuild mode, and Krull fits into their long-term depth chart. Here’s why this move makes sense:
- Potential upside: Krull has good size and athleticism. He could develop into a strong red-zone target.
- Low risk: ERFA tenders are financially minimal. The Broncos retain rights without a big cap hit.
- Continuity: Keeping Krull gives the offense stability, especially if other tight ends depart or get injured.
With Russell Wilson gone and a young quarterback likely stepping in, having familiar targets in the system helps development.
What Happens Next?
Krull will most likely sign the tender and return for training camp. While there’s no guarantee he makes the final 53-man roster, he’ll have a real shot—especially if he impresses in preseason games or proves to be a reliable target in camp.
If Krull stands out, he could go from depth player to a regular contributor in Denver’s offense.
How This Affects the Broncos’ Tight End Room
The Broncos have several tight ends on the roster, but no clear-cut superstar. Here’s what the room could look like:
- Greg Dulcich – High-potential but injury-prone.
- Adam Trautman – A steady veteran.
- Lucas Krull – Young, cheap, and developing.
Adding Krull to this mix gives Denver more flexibility and internal competition.
ERFA Rules in Simple Terms
Still confused about how ERFAs work? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Term | Meaning |
| Accrued Season | At least 6 games on an active/injured roster in a season |
| ERFA Eligibility | Less than 3 accrued seasons |
| Team Rights | Team can keep player with a one-year offer |
| Player Rights | Cannot negotiate with other teams |
FAQs: Denver Broncos Lucas Krull ERFA Tender
Q.1 What does “ERFA tender” mean for Lucas Krull?
It means the Broncos are offering Krull a one-year minimum contract, and he cannot sign with another team. It keeps him under team control.
Q.2 Is Lucas Krull guaranteed to make the team?
No. The ERFA tender allows him to compete for a roster spot, but he must earn it during training camp and preseason.
Q.3 How much does an ERFA player earn?
It depends on NFL service time, but most ERFA tenders are for the league minimum. For a player like Krull, this would be around $800,000 to $900,000.
Q.4 Why are ERFA tenders important in the NFL?
They allow teams to retain young talent at low cost, giving players another chance to prove themselves while offering teams roster flexibility.
Q.5 What are Lucas Krull’s strengths as a tight end?
Krull is tall (6’6″), athletic, and has potential as a receiving threat. He needs to improve blocking and consistency but shows promise.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ decision to extend an ERFA tender to Lucas Krull might not dominate headlines, but it’s a smart move in building roster depth. It reflects the team’s belief in his upside while keeping financial commitments low.
For Krull, this is another shot at making a name in the NFL—and with the right effort, he could become a valuable asset in Denver’s offense. For the Denver Broncos Lucas Krull ERFA Tender, every calculated step counts as they reshape the team’s identity.
