3 potential replacements for Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram in free agency
![Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, October 23, 2022. The Jaguars trailed at the half 11 to 13 and lost to the Giants with a final score of 17 to 23. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 102322 Hsfb Bs Jaguars 30](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F19289314-850x560-efb6b86becf1468b15fc015d0be5b06f07ade6b16026feaa4e7f362667a3538c.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, October 23, 2022. The Jaguars trailed at the half 11 to 13 and lost to the Giants with a final score of 17 to 23. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 102322 Hsfb Bs Jaguars 30")
No. 2 replacement for Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram: Austin Hooper
Four years is an eternity in the NFL but Austin Hooper was a Pro Bowl tight end for the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and 2019. He didn’t put up eye-popping numbers but still managed to deliver despite the fact that he had to split time with David Njoku.
As a matter of fact, the Browns made Hooper the highest-paid tight end in the NFL when they gave him a four-year deal worth $42 million in 2020. However, they seemed to have regretted giving him such a huge contract, as they released him last offseason.
Hooper went on to sign with the Tennessee Titans and had a solid year, hauling in 41 receptions for 444 yards with two touchdowns. Also, his 2.4 percent drop rate was the lowest of his career, dropping just one pass on 56 targets. While the former Stanford Cardinal hasn’t had more than 46 catches over the last three seasons, he had 71 and 75 in the two years he made the Pro Bowl. Clearly, he can play but having to split time with Njoku seemed to have affected his production.
Engram posted career numbers in head coach Doug Pederson’s offense and there’s a chance Hooper could do the same if he signs with the Jaguars. Moreover, signing him might be cheaper. Pro Football Focus expects him to sign a two-year contract worth $17 million with 11 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Engram could get an annual average of $12 or 13 million.