3 reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars got it right with TE Brenton Strange in Round 2

2. Having Brenton Strange will allow the Jaguars to make a decision on Evan Engram

Evan Engram got the franchise tag and unless he reaches a multi-year agreement with the Jags before the July 15 deadline, he'll become a free agent next offseason. While there's a chance the former Ole Miss Rebel and the Jaguars strike a long-term contract, the front office might doesn't seem to be inclined to pay him more than what they think he's currently worth.

Nobody will deny Engram's impact on the offense. Besides setting new career highs, he broke several team records, including the most yards in a game by a tight end, most receiving yards by a tight end in a season, and most catches by tight end in a season. Simply, he played a huge role in Trevor Lawrnence's development and was also a big reason Jacksonville ranked 10th in points scored last year.

Not surprisingly, Engram wanted a contract that reflected his value to the teams. Following the end of the 2022 season, paying him an annual salary of around $13 million to $15, which would have made him one of the five highest-paid tight ends in the league, seemed reasonable.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a high demand for tight ends this year and the market was severely depressed. Mike Gesicki signed a one-year deal that can be worth up to $9 million with the New England Patriots while Dalton Schultz, got a $6.25 million contract from the Houston Texans.

Right or wrong, Engram wasn't going to get the deal he wanted in free agency, and staying in Jacksonville might have been his best possible outcome. And if he doesn't adjust his contract demands, the Jaguars have insurance in Brenton Strange.