New general manager James Gladstone has quickly gotten to work. Just weeks after getting hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he's moved on from several long-time contributors. Among the most notable ones was tight end Evan Engram.
Not long after the news broke that the Jags were trading Christian Kirk (another mainstay) to the Houston Texans, it was reported that Engram was getting the boot. His release freed up $5.9 million and paves the way for third-year tight end Brenton Strange to join the starting lineup.
Engram would've surely liked to stay in Duval another season but should have no trouble finding work. After all, he hit his stride in Jacksonville after five underwhelming seasons with the New York Giants.
Although injuries hindered his production last year, the former Ole Miss Rebel hauled in 114 receptions for 963 yards with four touchdowns in 2023. The year prior, he had 73 receptions for 766 yards with four touchdowns. That kind of production will incentivize a handful of teams to take a flyer on him.
With that in mind, here are Engram's most likely destinations following his release:
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are seemingly allergic to signing free agents from other teams. However, they have so many glaring holes, that general manager Chris Ballard may have no choice but to buck the trend and take out his wallet.
Indy has gotten minimal production from the tight end position in recent years, but Evan Engram could fix that issue and immediately give whoever starts behind center a safety valve.
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix had a promising rookie campaign in 2024. The Denver Broncos will ensure that he takes the next step by giving him more weapons. Regardless of how their wide receiver corps looks next season — Courtland Sutton has been the subject of trade chatter — they must upgrade their tight end room.
Last year, Lucas Krull led all Denver tight ends with 19 catches for 152 yards. Evan Engram could give the unit an immediate boost.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals could lose Mike Gesiki in free agency. They would surely like to re-sign him, but if they lose him, Evan Engram would be an ideal replacement. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end could run underneath routes while Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase stretch the field.
Of course, the Bengals are averse to spending, but with Trey Hendrickson potentially leaving, they might consider using the extra space to pursue Evan Engram in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a pretty good blocking tight end in Will Dissly but they need another one that can draw coverage away from defenses.
Throughout his stint with the Bolts, quarterback Justin Herbert has had some talented receivers at his disposal but hasn't truly had a good tight end. Evan Engram could change that. When you take into account that the Chargers have ample cap space this offseason, LA is a realistic landing spot for the former Jaguar.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks released receiver Tyler Lockett and might soon be without DK Metcalf. While they'll be in a bit of a cap crunch, they'll need to get quarterback Geno Smith new weapons. Evan Engram could come in and contribute right away.
Granted, Noah Fant is still in place but releasing him would free up $8.9 million in space. Of the two, Engram is a much better tight end, and the Hawks could use the savings from Fant's release to lock him up.
Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like:
manual