5 first-year Jacksonville Jaguars who could be gone in 2023

No. 1  Jacksonville Jaguars player who might not return: Evan Engram, TE

A first-round pick in 2017, Evan Engram was a solid tight end for the New York Giants. He even made the Pro Bowl in 2020 but he also had a penchant for dropping passes and making mental mistakes. Nevertheless, the Jags took a chance on him last offseason, giving him a one-year deal worth $ 9 million.

In retrospect, the decision to sign Engram paid off immensely for the Jaguars as he went on to become a key cog on offense and break several team records along the way. In fact, he had the most productive season for a tight end in team history, setting new records for yards by a tight end in a single game, receiving yards by a tight end in a season, and catches by a tight end in a season. All things considered, the former Ole Miss Rebel exceeded expectations.

One reason for Engram’s success in Jacksonville was that the coaching staff didn’t ask him to be an in-line blocker as much as he was for the Giants and instead used him as a receiver. In fact, he lined up out wide on a career-high 135 snaps.

Engram has expressed a desire to return to Jacksonville, calling the 2022 season the best year of his life. Head coach Doug Pederson also wants him back and general manager Trent Baalke hopes they can re-sign him. However, there’s a chance he will hit the open market, and if does, there will be a robust market for his services.