The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a big move in free agency, signing tight end Evan Engram to a three-year, $41.25 million contract, according to an Associated Press source. The move comes after the team released veteran tight end Tyler Eifert earlier this month.
Engram, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2017, has been a productive pass-catcher throughout his career. He has caught at least 44 passes in each of his four seasons in the NFL, including a career-high 75 receptions in 2018. He also has 11 touchdown receptions over that span.
The Jaguars are hoping that Engram can help provide a spark to their offense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards and touchdowns last season. Engram should help provide a reliable target for quarterback Gardner Minshew, who is entering his second season as the team’s starter.
Engram’s presence should also help open up the offense for the team’s other weapons, such as wide receivers D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault Jr. The Jaguars also added another weapon at tight end this offseason in former New England Patriot James O’Shaughnessy, who should help provide depth at the position.
The Jaguars have made it clear that they are looking to improve their offense this offseason and the signing of Engram is a big step in that direction. It remains to be seen how Engram will fit into the offense and how much of an impact he will have, but it’s clear that he will be an important part of the team’s plans moving forward.
