The Broncos released Heuerman on Friday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Broncos have invested numerous draft picks on tight ends since Heuerman was selected in the third round in 2015: Noah Fant (2019 first round), Albert Okwuegbunam (2020 fourth), Troy Fumagalli (2018 fifth) and Jake Butt (2017 fifth). Over the past four seasons, Heuerman wasn't exactly productive, playing in 51 games but combining for a 63-678-5 line on 103 targets. He'll look to bolster a TE room elsehwere.

The Broncos drafted Albert Okwuegbunam in the fourth round of the weekend's draft, adding competition for Heuerman, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman was already on the roster bubble with the acquisition of Nick Vannett in free agency. Drafting one of Drew Lock's favorite targets at Mizzou may push the veteran off. Noah Fant and Okwuegbunam look to be the future at the position for Denver and Vannett provides a veteran presence. Add Andrew Beck as the only one of the bunch with H-back versatility, and it's hard to see where Heuerman fits, particularly as he can be cut with just a $500,000 cap hit.

The Broncos' signing of Nick Vannett could place Heuerman's roster spot in jeopardy, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman had a nice game or two as an underneath receiver for the Broncos in 2019, but he's never quite lived up to the expectations coming out of Ohio State in 2015. It now seems his TE2 role will be taken by Vannett, who was drafted by Seattle out of OSU in 2016. Vannett is mostly known as a blocker, but he put together some nice receiving performances in 2018. With Noah Fant leading the way and cheap, promising youngsters like Andrew Beck and Austin Fort at the bottom of the roster, it would seem there's only room for one of Vannett or Heuerman on the team. Cutting Heuerman would result in a cap hit of $500,000, but a savings of $3.9 million.

Heuerman caught 14 of 20 targets for 114 yards and a touchdown during the 2019 season.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman, not surprisingly, saw a drop-off in production with the rise of rookie first-round pick Noah Fant. Heuerman's 114 receiving yards were a career low despite him tying a career high with 14 games played. The Ohio State product had a couple of nice outings as a short, underneath target -- Week 2 against the Bears and Week 13 against the Chargers come to mind -- but his production was capped thanks to just one reception of 12 or more yards all season and one target inside the 10-yard line. He's a much-needed veteran presence in a young tight end room and may benefit from tight end enthusiast Pat Shurmur taking over as offensive coordinator in 2020. The question will be whether he can stave off young reserve tight ends including Andrew Beck, Troy Fumagalli and Austin Fort.

Heuerman caught both of his targets for 13 yards during Sunday's 27-17 win over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman caught multiple passes for just the second time since Week 3. The veteran tight end has had a little more production with Drew Lock under center -- 1.5 catches for nine yards per game -- than Denver's veteran passers -- one catch for 8.7 yards per game, but even the improved stats don't inspire much excitement. The Buckeye ends the season against an Oakland defense that kept him catchless in Week 1.

Heuerman was not targeted during Sunday's 23-3 loss in Kansas City.

EDGE Analysis

Despite not being targeted, Heuerman saw the field on 24 offensive snaps -- 41% of Denver's total. It's hard to read too much into Sunday's game given the Broncos' recent history against the Chiefs and the blustery conditions. Expect for him to return to his role as a decent underneath target and occasional red-zone target for rookie passer Drew Lock. Sunday brings a matchup against Detroit's 31st-ranked pass defense.

Heuerman caught his only target, an eight-yard touchdown, during Sunday's 38-24 win over the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman extended Denver's hot start to three scores early in the second quarter, rolling out into the flat for a catch-and-run touchdown. It's still early, but rookie passer Drew Lock has been good for Heuerman, who led the team in targets in Lock's debut Week 13. The Broncos are also mixing it up and getting more creative on offense with Lock, with all four of the tight ends recording at least 15 offensive snaps Sunday, and Heuerman led the way with 30. He could see more Sunday against Kansas City depending on the status of rookie starter Noah Fant (foot/hip).

Heuerman caught three of five targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 23-20 win over the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

It's predictable for a tight end to serve as his rookie quarterback's security blanket, but many fans probably predicted it'd be Noah Fant helping out Drew Lock in his first start. Instead it was Heuerman tying Courtland Sutton for the team lead with five targets despite playing on just 28 of 57 offensive snaps, 13 fewer than Fant. All three of Heuerman's catches converted a third-down. Converting third-and-twos probably isn't the path to fantasy glory, but his reliability for Lock is worth taking note of, especially given a dearth of reliable targets on the roster behind Courtland Sutton. Next up is a trip to Houston and the Texans' 28th-ranked pass defense.

Heuerman was not targeted during Sunday's 20-3 loss in Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday was Heuerman's first game in nearly a month as he battled through a knee injury. Even accounting for that three-game absence, Heuerman has been extremely quiet this season with just two catches since Week 3. Noah Fant's emergence and the team's use of two-back sets further limits the veteran's role. Next up is a matchup against a Chargers defense that has limited yards, mostly because they've been dinked-and-dunked on all season. Heuerman probably would be satisfied if he comes away with a dink.

Heuerman (knee) is active Week 12 against Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman is set to see his first action since Week 8 and will presumably serve as the secondary option to starting tight end Noah Fant. Troy Fumagalli may also be in the mix after catching his first career touchdown last week against Minnesota, though it's likely he takes a step back with Heuerman on the active roster. Heuerman had just 11 total targets in eight games to begin the season, but it's unclear what his role might be following the switch to a new quarterback in Brandon Allen.