Many were taken aback by the Jacksonville Jaguars absorbing a sizable financial blow to part ways with Evan Engram this past offseason. After all, we're only two years removed from seeing him record the second-most receptions by a tight end in a single season in NFL history. He quickly landed with future Hall of Fame head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos, which had many in Duval ready to eat crow.
Payton has made a legendary career by maximizing the playmaking running backs or tight ends at his disposal, famously known as the "Joker." There was plenty of buzz surrounding Engram being brought to Denver to fill that role in the Broncos' offense. However, the early results of the 2025 campaign suggest the Jaguars were wise to move on from the two-time Pro Bowler when they did.
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Jaguars' decision to release former Pro Bowl TE Evan Engram is aging better than expected
Engram has reeled in four of his six targets for 33 scoreless yards through two games with the Broncos. He's done so on a meager 38 percent offensive snap share rate while running a route on just over a third of the team's dropbacks. That's a far cry from the expectations for him, namely his new sideline general, though the Jags ostensibly aren't surprised.
Jaguars first-year general manager James Gladstone clearly believed they were getting ahead of an aging, oft-injured veteran by releasing Engram, which has proven true. The 31-year-old has been functioning as a part-time contributor in Denver despite chatter of being a focal point of their passing attack. While it's a small sample size, the usage (or lack thereof) alone tells us Jacksonville's once-head-scratching decision has aged well thus far.
Not only has Engram not lived up to the hype in Denver thus far, but his well-chronicled health concerns have unfortunately come to light. He suffered a calf ailment in what was ultimately an underwhelming Broncos debut, but hasn't missed any time because of the issue. Nevertheless, it highlights the fragility that has plagued him across eight seasons as a pro.
Denver gave Engram real money days after seeing the Jags took a $13.5 million dead cap hit to let him go. Jacksonville's demonstrable eagerness to let go of its No. 2 pass-catcher probably should've been more of a red flag than initially perceived. Yet, the 2017 first-round pick secured a two-year, $23 million contract, including $16.5 million guaranteed. He's currently the 11th-highest paid player at his position by average annual value.