After trading wide receiver Christian Kirk, the Jacksonville Jaguars will cut former two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram who now enters the tight end market alongside Mike Gesicki. According to the breaking news, the Jaguars are also releasing wideout Devin Duvernay while Engram has one year left on his current deal. Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Ole Miss product was due to account for close to $20 million in cap space but now it looks like the organization will change the aerial attack for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Engram began his career with the New York Giants playing under former head coach Ben McAdoo, recording 64 receptions for 722 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 11 starts and 15 games overall.
However, the following year didn’t go as planned after suffering an MCL and foot injury but began depleting since then. Engram was more utilized as a blocking tight end than a pass-catcher so the Giants let him walk in 2022, joining the Jaguars on a one-year deal. He began to revive his career by helping the Jaguars appear in the wild card where he put up 93 receiving yards and one touchdown in a win over the Chargers. Now, Engram joins Gesicki, Juwan Johnson and Tyler Conklin as the top tight ends in the market.
BREAKING: Jaguars Cut Former Two-Time Pro Bowler Evan Engram – Plenty of Suitors Could Emerge
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have some temporary good news at the tight end position as Travis Kelce is returning but it’s most likely his last season. While they have life for Patrick Mahomes next season, the team could benefit from adding a tight end in free agency. Peyton Hendershot is only solid as a pass-blocker and chain-mover so the Chiefs will probably draft a tight end. With that, the Chiefs should sign Engram on a lucrative contract as a safety net until the next tight end develops.
Los Angeles Chargers
Unlike the Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers have the funds to facilitate an Engram signing. Will Dissly had an average season as quarterback Justin Herbert is figuring out who is his next consistent weapon. They found that in wide receiver Ladd McConkey but could benefit from Engram to catch some crucial balls in the aerial attack.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the tight-end group is probably the most overlooked position the team needs to improve. Jake Ferguson is explosive as long as he’s healthy. Luke Schoonmaker has yet to shine bright for Dak Prescott’s passing game. Jerry Jones won’t be aggressive in free agency but the Cowboys should reconsider since CeeDee Lamb is their only other reliable pass catcher.
Washington Commanders
After re-signing linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Commanders could sign Zach Ertz again to salvage their tight end department. Ertz had a phenomenal season with Jayden Daniels but as he’s aging, the Commanders could use another tight end. Engram has plenty of years ahead of him and he could have just the same capable hands as Ertz.
Baltimore Ravens
While the Baltimore Ravens are denying any rumors of a Mark Andrews trade, anything is possible this offseason. Andrews had one of the most unsuccessful seasons last year and could be dealt at the right price. Since Isaiah Likely is their future, they could sign Engram to create a new bolstering tandem with him.