The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't think Evan Engram fit their long-term plans, so they cut ties with him just before the start of free agency. After joining the Denver Broncos, he'll be eager to prove that the Jags made a mistake when they kicked him to the curb. Coincidentally, these two teams are slated to play in 2025. And if a schedule leak turns out to be true, they can circle the date on the calendar.
According to Twitter user NerdigonNFL, Jacksonville will face off against Denver in Week 16 of the season. Apart from the Engram reunion, this will be a must-win game for both clubs, as they could be in the midst of a playoff run by then.
The Broncos went 10-7 last season and made the playoffs with rookie Bo Nix at the helm. They proceeded to get pummeled by the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the postseason, but they at least qualify, while the Jags went 4-13.
The AFC West figures to be tough with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers also set to compete for a playoff spot. That said, Denver probably feels good about its chances. Nix showed as a rookie, especially as the year progressed. With a full season of experience under his belt, he should make a leap in 2025. It will also help that the Broncos added Engram to his arsenal of weapons.
Denver had a pretty good No. 1 receiver in Courtland Sutton, but Nix needed a safety valve. Engram can help with that. A first-round pick in the 2017 draft by the New York Giants, the former Ole Miss Rebel consistently flashed early in his career but truly hit his stride when he joined the Jags in 2022. In his first season with the Black & Teal, he posted career highs for catches and receiving yards. On top of that, he broke a handful of team records.
Engram's breakout season earned him a new three-year deal worth $42.5 million. He rewarded the Jags with an even better 2023. He broke some of the records he had set the season prior, and his 114 catches were the third-most by a tight end in a year. Unfortunately, the Georgia native struggled with injuries last year, and fellow tight end Brenton Strange proved to be equally productive during his absence.
The Jaguars no longer had use for Evan Engram and will prove it in Week 16
With Strange in the mix, and set to count $7 million against the cap, the Jags pulled the plug on him and freed up $5.9 million in space. It didn't take Denver long to swoop in and give him a two-year deal. Now, the Jaguars will have a chance to prove they made the right call.
Under head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars won't lean on their tight end corps in the passing game. In fact, don't expect Brenton Strange to be targeted as much next season as Engram was in 2022 and 2023. With Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter in the mix, he won't see many targets his way.
Heck, even if Engram had stayed, he wouldn't have had many targets. In fact, he might have gotten less playing time than Strange because he's not nearly as good a blocker. This might've been a reason the Jags move on from him, aside from the cap space.
With the Jags' renewed emphasis on establishing the run, Engram appeared to be an unnecessary luxury. Could he still have helped the Jags? You bet, but when they face the Broncos, they'll have a chance to prove that they no longer need his services
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