The Jacksonville Jaguars spent a second-round pick on tight end Brenton Strange in the 2023 NFL Draft and new GM James Gladstone is excited to see what Strange can do for the team. Jags fans feel the same way while at the same time wondering what the future might have in store for veteran Evan Engram.
Engram has been in the league for eight years and the last three years have been spent in Jacksonville. After two magnificent seasons in 2022 and 2023, Engram missed nearly half the 2024 season with a torn labrum. That, paired with Strange's production in Engram's absence, could spell doom for the former 2017 first-round pick.
While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gladstone's comments about Strange could shed some light on what the team plans to do at tight end moving forward. "Really excited about his ascension. I think he will have a part in the offense in a way we haven't seen yet," Gladstone said.
James Gladstone's pro-Strange comments could spell doom for Evan Engram
The Jaguars can save $6 million if they part ways with Engram and these comments don't help the argument that they won't go in that direction. Trevor Lawrence signed a lengthy extension last offseason and while that doesn't kick in officially until 2026, that means the Jaguars will have to start making tougher decisions when it comes to the roster and cap space.
Engram was excellent for the Jags during his first two years in Jacksonville, tallying 766 yards in 2022 and 963 in 2023 with four touchdowns in each season. While Engram was out with the torn labrum in the backhalf of the 2024 season, however, Strange was able to show what he could provide the offense. Strange compiled 411 yards and scored two touchdowns in 17 games and 10 starts.
It'd be sad to see Engram go if Gladstone and the Jags decide to go in that direction but if they think that's the right move for the organization, it's one of many tough decisions that will have to be made.