The Jacksonville Jaguars will have a new full-time starting tight end in 2025 after parting ways with two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram. Engram has a solid first two years at Jacksonville, hauling in 187 receptions for 1,729 yards and eight touchdowns in 34 regular-season games, along with a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury and a torn labrum limited him to nine games in 2024, and a change of scenery.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars identified his replacement
Jacksonville Jaguars, Brenton Strange
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) gets into position during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jets held off the Jaguars 32-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Their second-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, Brenton Strange, will replace Evan Engram as the full-time starting tight end in 2025. After a minimal role on offense and only playing 307 offensive snaps in 2023, Strange had a better 2024 campaign, seeing a significant uptick in snaps due to Engram’s injuries. He hauled in 40 receptions on 53 targets for 411 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games, ten starts, and 575 snaps.
The Jacksonville Jaguars sleeper on replacing Pro Bowler
Jacksonville Jaguars, Brenton Strange
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) grabs the jersey of Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) in an attempt to tackle during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
During Sunday’s interview with John Oehser on the O-Zone Podcast, Brenton Strange was asked about his new role on offense for Year 3. Strange said that he is “definitely ready” for it and has a lot of confidence in himself. He also went through the things that he has to improve at, but believes he is capable of rising to the occasion and the challenge.
“I’m definitely ready for it,” Strange said, via Oehser. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and I’ve always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like I’m always one of the best players on the field. I feel like that’s the mentality I bring.
“I think I have room to grow for sure,” he added. “And I have room everywhere. That’s not just as a receiver. That’s being a blocker, being a leader on this team, I have so much more room to grow. I’m excited for that. It’s gonna be challenging, but I’m up for the challenge. I know I’m capable.”
Their head coach has confidence in their sleeper talent
Jacksonville Jaguars, Liam Coen
New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen smiles after speaking and being introduced during a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
During the annual league meetings, via John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, Liam Coen praised Brenton Strange for his ability to play the game “the right way” as a receiver, his physicality, and as a blocker. Coen added that Strange will see a significant increase in reps in 2025. Finally, he believes the increase in snaps will be a great thing for the Jaguars’ offense.
“Brenton plays the game the right way. I’ll say that for sure,” Coen said, via Shipley. “I love the way he competes through the whistle. He does it through the whistle, plays with an edge, he’s got some twitch, he’s strong, he’ll get his hands on you in the blocking. I really appreciate it.
“He’ll elevate just by alone getting more reps, and getting him on the field is a good thing for us.”
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