3 ways the Jacksonville Jaguars have helped Trevor Lawrence in 2023 offseason

2. The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to keep Evan Engram for at least 1 more year

The Jaguars failed to successfully replace tight end Marcedes Lewis when he left in 2017. Since then, they had a revolving door at the position until they signed Evan Engram last offseason. The former Ole Miss Rebel was coming off a not-so-great five-year tenure with the New York Giants but he put it all together in Jacksonville, posting career numbers, and broking several team records along the way.

Looking back, the tight end made the right decision when he opted to strike a one-year deal instead of a long-term contract, as he managed to boost his stock in 2022.

After the season, Engram made it clear that he wanted to remain in Jacksonville. On the other hand, he rightfully wanted to get a new contract that reflected his status as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Although it looked like he and the Jags were close to reaching a new deal, they couldn't get it done before the start of free agency, so he got the franchise tag.

The Jaguars would have surely preferred to keep Engram on a multi-year deal but the franchise tag ensures he remains in Jacksonville for at least one more season. This in turn ensures that one of Lawrence's most trusted targets, one that prevents defenses from zeroing in on Christian Kirk or Zay Jones, remains in place.

Whether Engram leaves in 2024, he'll get to catch passes from Lawrence for at least one more year, which could in turn help him increase his value ahead and cash in next offseason.