The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing their best to re-sign tight end Evan Engram, who is set to become a free agent after arriving on a one-year contract last offseason. Engram recently said that there’s a mutual interest to get a deal done but until he puts his signature on paper, there’s always a chance negotiations will break off.
Engram is coming off a career year and has stated in the past that he would love to return. Currently, it looks like things are headed in the right direction and Jags could make an announcement at any time. But if for some reason the former Ole Miss Rebel does become a free agent, these three teams should get in touch with him.
No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram landing spot: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have an ascending quarterback in Joe Burrow and they’ve spent the last two years making upgrades to their supporting cast. However, they’re still missing a top tight end. Last offseason, they signed Hayden Hurst, who proved to be a reliable target, catching 52 passes for 414 with two touchdowns on 68 targets.
While it makes sense to bring back Hurst lacks big-play potential. Re-signing him wouldn’t be expensive but Evan Engram would be a massive upgrade at tight end. With Engram running routes in the middle of the field, defenses wouldn’t be able to devote enough attention to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (if he isn’t traded).
The Bengals already have a great offense but they could be even better if they add Engram in free agency.
No. 2 Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram landing spot: Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa got off to a hot start in 2022 but a couple of concussions ended up derailing his season. Despite the fact that he’s been cleared to resume football activities, it’s hard to tell whether he’ll be the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
But regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Phins in 2023, general manager Chris Grier must address the tight end position. They drafted receiver Jaylen Waddle in 2021 and traded for Tyreek Hill last offseason. They now need someone who can run underneath routes in the middle of the field so Weddle and Hill find more favorable matchups.
Set to become a free agent last offseason after having a career year in 2022, tight end Mike Gesicki was slapped with the franchise tag, which kept him from hitting the open market. Looking back, it was a bad decision for Miami. He wasn’t a good fit in head coach Mike McDaniel’s system and finished the year with just 32 catches for 362 yards with five touchdowns, the second-lowest output of his five-year career.
Make no mistake though, Gesicki can cause plenty of damage as a receiver but McDaniel needs a well-rounded tight end on his offense, one that can block, which is something Evan Engram can do well. While revamping the offensive line might be Miami’s top offseason, they would check off an important box if they found a way to land Engram.
No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram landing spot: Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are one of those rare teams that haven’t had to worry about looking for a quarterback in a long time. Ever since they traded for Brett Favre in the early 1900s, they’ve enjoyed stability at the position. However, that could change this year, with Aaron Rodgers not sure about what he wants to do.
Rodgers might decide it’s time to hang up the cleats. He could also choose to return to Green Bay or he could ask for a trade. Regardless of what he does, the Packers’ front office can’t wait for a decision and must address other needs in the offseason if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
One of Green Bay’s biggest needs ahead of free agency is tight end. Robert Tonyan was their top tight end from last year. He’s now set to become a free agent, and they could use an upgrade at the position. While they could target one of the top prospects in this year’s class, they could also find one in the open market.
The Packers are currently $9 million over the cap but they could shed a few contracts to free enough space to add a tight end in free agency. Right now, Evan Engram seems to be the best of the bunch, and potentially catching passes from Rodgers would make Green Bay an appealing destination.
On the other hand, there’s a chance the Packers will with Jordan Love, who’s been sitting behind Rodgers over the last three seasons. If Love is the starting quarterback, signing with Green Bay might not be as exciting. Then again, their front office could make Engram an offer he couldn’t resist. Then again, the Jacksonville Jaguars are probably in the process of putting together enough money to ensure he isn’t available in free agency.