The Jacksonville Jaguars just became very active days ahead of free agency. Not long after it was reported that they would be trading Christian Kirk, they ended up trading him to the Houston Texans. That was just the beginning, as they've also traded another offensive mainstay.
Hours after the news broke that the Jags traded Kirk to the Houston Texans, Michael DiRocco of ESPN reports that they've released tight end Evan Engram, freeing up a bit over $6 million in cap space. Other outlets later confirmed the scoop.
Source: The #Jaguars are releasing TE Evan Engram. pic.twitter.com/I1cqjfCn5j
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 6, 2025
But wait! There's more. Aside from Engram, nearly at the same time, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that Jacksonville is also moving up from return specialist Devin Duvernay, freeing up $2.7 million in space.
The #Jaguars continue to clear cap space, releasing two-time Pro Bowl return man Devin Duvernay, per me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/Uq5xQ6kBqi
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2025
The news that the Jags are releasing Engram doesn't come as a surprise. After all, he has been the subject of trade/chopping block speculation throughout the offseason. In fact, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports projected the veteran tight end, Kirk, and running back Travis Etienne would be getting the boot. Out of the three, only Etienne is still around, but there's no guarantee he'll be on the team in 2025.
Related story:Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
Why the Jacksonville Jaguars released Evan Engram?
A first-round pick in 2017, Evan Engram always flashed talent with the New York Giants but wasn't able to put it all together during his five-year stint in the Big Apple. It wasn't until he signed a one-year deal with the Jags in 2022 that he hit his stride, registering a career-best 73 catches for 766 yards with four touchdowns.
Following his banner season, Engram inked a three-year deal worth $42. 5 million. He was even better in 2023, registering 114 catches (the third most ever by a tight end) for 963 yards (the most by a tight end in franchise history) with four touchdowns. Unfortunately, the former Ole Miss Rebel wasn't nearly as effective in 2024 due to injuries. He ended up missing eight games and registering 47 catches for a career-low 365 yards with one touchdown.
During Engram's absence, Brenton Strange stepped up, hauling in 40 receptions for 411 yards with two touchdowns. Based on how he played, it's fair to say that he's ready for a bigger role, which might've played a role in the decision to move on from Engram.
Compounding the issue is that releasing Engram will create $5.9 million in space. You could make the case that the decision came down to whether the team's brass thought he was worth more than the amount they would get if they cut ties with him. Granted, having him around would ensure that the Jags would've had enviable depth at tight end, but it looks like the front office would rather use the savings to bolster another position.
What about Devin Duvernay and Ronald Darby?
Although there was a chance the Jaguars would keep Evan Engram, both Devin Duvernay and Ronald Darby appeared to have their respective faiths decided since the end of the 2024 season.
Darby signed a two-year deal after Jacksonville released Darious Williams. Expected to start opposite Tyson Campbell, the veteran cornerback struggled throughout most of the year and saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed. By the end of the year, he was a healthy scratch.
Moving on from Darby creates a need at cornerback but frees up $2.3 million in space. On the other hand, Jacksonville signed Duvernay to give their return game a spark but was ineffective or hurt throughout most of the year. Cutting him will free up $2.7 million.
All things considered, these moves don't come as a surprise. The B&T predicted all three, along with Josh Reynolds. You could make a case that all the players who got the boot could still contribute, but the truth is that the new regime wants to put its own stamp and build the roster the right way. The extra space will surely help them accomplish the feat.
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