Jaguars TE Evan Engram among top 25 offensive players set to hit free agency

Tight end Evan Engram’s decision to bet on himself last offseason paid off, as he went on to have a career year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s set to hit the open market once again and should have several suitors lined up if he doesn’t return to Jacksonville. As a matter of fact, Engram is the highest-rated tight end in CBS Sports’ list of players set to become free agents.

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports ranked the top 25 players scheduled to hit the open market and Engram popped up at No. 14, one spot above fellow tight end Dalton Schultz. Dubin points out that this is a good year to sign a tight end. On the other hand, the wide receiver class doesn’t look particularly enticing.

"Between Shultz and Engram, there are tight ends for whatever type of play strikes your fancy, be it athleticism (Engram) or underneath dependability (Schultz). It’s not the best crop of wide receivers available, but in addition to Meyers, JuJu, and Odell, there’s also Michael Thomas. Allen Lazard, Noah Brown, Darius Slayton, D.J. Chark, Richie James, Nelson Agholor, and Mecole Hardman are available."

A first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017, Engram signed a one-year deal worth $9 million with the Jaguars last offseason and went on to set several team records, including receiving yards by a tight end in a game, catches by a tight end in a season, and receiving yards by a tight end in a season.

All things considered, Engram was one of the Jags’ best free-agent acquisitions last year, and re-signing him should be their top priority this offseason.

The Jaguars need to be prepared to part ways with Evan Engram

Engram has stated on more than one occasion that he’s open to returning to Jacksonville and both head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke would love to have him back. However, the Jaguars are currently $30 million over the cap and will need to free up space before they can re-sign Engram.

There’s no doubt that Engram would get a top-market deal if he’s available in free agency but he would benefit from staying put. He’s catching passes from Trevor Lawrence, one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and Pederson’s scheme puts him in a position to succeed. You could make the case that money aside, he won’t find a more favorable situation anywhere else.

Having said that, there’s a realistic chance the Jags will let Engram walk away in free agency.  While he’s their top player without a contract, they’re in a position to take a tight end with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Similarly, giving Engram a multi-year contract might limit the team’s ability to address other needs in free agency.

The Jaguars had a pretty productive offense last season and having Engram back would ensure they pick up where they left off. On the other hand, they probably have a contingency plan in place in case he walks in free agency.