Report: Jaguars are expected to use franchise tag on Evan Engram

AFC Wild Card Playoffs - Los Angeles Chargers v Jacksonville Jaguars
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Tight end Evan Engram said recently that he and the Jaguars have had positive conversations about a new contract, but it doesn’t look like they are going to pay off in a new deal before next Tuesday.

That’s the deadline for the Jaguars to use their franchise tag and Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Jaguars are expected to do that in order to keep Engram from hitting the open market. Engram would be in line for a $11.345 million salary under the terms of the tag and the two sides would have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal.

Engram signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars as a free agent last year. He set personal bests with 73 catches and 766 yards while helping the Jags to the divisional round of the playoffs.

Assuming Engram returns, the Jaguars will have their top three receivers back as wideouts Christian Kirk and Zay Jones remain in the fold. They also hope to have Calvin Ridley reinstated from suspension in time to join the group next season.

12 responses to “Report: Jaguars are expected to use franchise tag on Evan Engram

  1. Perfect example of what a good quarterback can do. In New York he couldn’t do anything goes to Jacksonville and now they want a franchise tag him. I liked him since he came out of college. This is more of who he is versus is time in new york.

  2. He was solid and an important piece in the Jags’ offense. Glad to see him resurrect his career.

  3. Questionable decision. Leaves them with very little cap space in FA unless they restructure a bunch more deals and release Shaquille Griffin. With Dalton Schultz, Mike Gisecki, Austin Hooper, Hayden Hurst all free agents, and a loaded TE draft class, I’m not sure I’m paying Evan Engram over $11 million this year.

  4. Giants fans spent the season wondering, “Who is THIS Evan Engram and how is he holding onto the ball?”

    Maybe he just has a really good connection with Trevor. Maybe he picked up some tips at TE University. He was a top 6 TE this year. I don’t think they want to necessarily risk a long-term contract, but tagging him sounds like a good move.

  5. He’s good, but not top of the market good. I agree with an earlier poster, spend that money on a rookie TE and other resources. Deep TE class.

  6. sometimes it takes the right situation to bring the 1st round potential out of a first round draft pick. Engram is a perfect example.

  7. He’s been a good player as long as he is healthy. But it seemed like before this year he never was for long.

  8. Smart to tag him rather than give him a long term contract. He’s had 2 good seasons and 4 mediocre ones. If he has another season like last year, then sign him to a longer term deal.

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