The news that the Jacksonville Jaguars were cutting Evan Engram was met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, his release gave the team extra cap space to work with this offseason. On the other hand, the veteran tight end was a prominent locker room voice who was well-liked by fellow players and fans. One thing is certain, though, Engram loved to suit up for the Jags. That was obvious when he posted a farewell message on social media.
Following the news of his release, Engram took to social media to say that he loves Jacksonville but is excited for what's next, "It's all love Jax," the tight end said. "But they just let a mf dog loose! Excited for what's next!"
It’s all love Jax. But they just let a mf dog loose! Excited for what’s next! #BeEazy
— Evan Engram (@eazyengram) March 7, 2025
There are different ways you can look at Engram's message. He certainly gave his all anytime he suited for the Jaguars. That said, he's not dwelling on the past and is looking forward to what's next. All things considered, that's the right way to this situation. After all, he probably wasn't thrilled that he got cut but understands the business part of football and knows that he will have no trouble finding a new team based on how his tenure in Jacksonville went.
A first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017, Engram signed with the Jags in 2022 and quickly made an impact, hauling in 73 receptions for 766 yards with four touchdowns. His banner season helped him earn a three-year deal worth $41.5 million, and he rewarded Jacksonville with an even better 2023, logging 114 catches for 963 yards with four touchdowns.
Along the way, the former Ole Miss Rebel broke several franchise records, including yards by a tight end in a game, yards by a tight end in a season, and catches by a tight end in a season. Moreover, his 114 receptions in 2023 were the second most in league history by a tight end.
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
What's next for the Jaguars after releasing Evan Engram?
With Evan Engram out of the picture, third-year tight end Brenton Strange will step into a starting role. A second-round pick in the 2023 draft, the former Penn State Nittany Lion was a non-factor as a rookie but delivered when thrust into action last year and showed that he's ready for a bigger role.
Aside from Engram, Luke Farrell and Josh Deguara are slated to become free agents. But of them could be brought back at an affordable rate, but the Jags will most likely make additions to their tight end room even if one of them returns.
The Jaguars have other bigger priorities in free agency, so it's hard to see them adding a tight end. Moreover, this year's crop isn't particularly strong, so the front office will probably wait until the draft to bolster the position.
In the end, the Jaguars believed that moving on from Evan Engram was the best course of action. Releasing him was just the first part. They'll now need to fill the void left by his departure and look for ways to improve the roster.
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