Jaguars TE Evan Engram's deal looks like a steal compared to Travis Kelce's

Tight end Evan Engram joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and immediately became a key contributor on offense. The organization rewarded him with a three-year extension worth $43 million. The deal looked great at the time and looks much better in light of the one Travis Kelce just got.

The Kansas City Chiefs gave Kelce a reworked two-year contract that will pay $34.5 million over the next two seasons. His annual average is the highest among tight ends in the league. Meanwhile, Engram ranks sixth at the position.

Originally reported as an extension, Kelce's new deal replaces the one he previously had, which was set to pay him $30.5 million over the next two years. His salary for 2024 is guaranteed and 2025 becomes guaranteed on the third day of the league year. Given his role on the Kansas City offense, it's hard to see him not play the contract out.

Kelce, a third-round pick in 2013, has made the Pro Bowl nine times and earned four First-Team All-Pro designations. A key cog in the Chiefs' dynasty, he's already solidified his place as one of the best tight ends in league history. In fact, he's joined the discussion as the best ever.

Evan Engram isn't Travis Kelce but the Jaguars are happy to have him

Evan Engram isn't in the same echelon as Travis Kelce, and it's not up for debate. But that doesn't make his contributions to the Jacksonville Jaguars any less meaningful. A first-round pick in 2017, Engram signed a one-year deal with Jacksonville in 2022.

While he flashed during his five-year stint with the New York Giants, Engram was also known for his high number of drops and mental mistakes. That's why his signing seemed a bit risky at the time. However, he quickly put to rest any potential doubts.

Right off the bat, Engram became one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets. By the end of 2022, he had set new career bests for yards and catches in a season. Similarly, the former Ole Miss Rebel broke team records for receiving yards in a game by a tight end, catches in a season by a tight end, and receiving yards by a tight end in a season.

After 2022, Engram got the franchise tag but months later got a long-term deal. He went on to show he wasn't a one-year wonder, registering 114 receptions for 963 yards with four touchdowns in 2023. Moreover, he got the second Pro Bowl nod of his career.

Looking back at the contract Engram signed last year, the Jaguars are getting a huge return on their investment. Even though he isn't nearly as great as Travis Kelce, he has definitely left his mark over the past two years.

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