4 massive unknowns heading into the Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 offseason

Doug Pederson speaks to the media during a press conference. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Doug Pederson speaks to the media during a press conference. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Chris Manhertz (84) at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Texans won 13-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] /

2. How will the Jaguars’ tight end room look in 2023?

Several Jaguars are set to become free agents but there might not be a more important one than tight end Evan Engram. A first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2020, Engram signed a one-year deal with the Jags last offseason and went on to post career highs for catches and receiving yards. Similarly, he set new team records for receiving yards by a tight end in a single game, receptions by a tight end in a season, and receiving yards by a tight end in a season.

However, Engram isn’t the only Jaguars tight end slated to hit the open market. Chris Manhertz and Dan Arnold are also scheduled to leave, which leaves Luke Farrell as their only tight end under contract. Even if general manager Trent Baalke brings back Engram, he’ll need to replenish their tight end room.

Arnold didn’t get much playing time in his second season with the Jags, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see him leave in free agency. On the other hand, Manhertz became a key cog due to his blocking skills. Re-signing him wouldn’t be expensive, so there’s a chance he’ll return in 2023.

Whether Engram re-signs or not, the Jags will probably invest a draft pick in the tight end position. If he doesn’t return, the Jags could use the 24th overall selection to select Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer or Georgia’s Darnell Washington. But if he stays, they could then wait until the third or fourth round. Either way, their tight end unit could look considerably different next season.