To pay or not to pay tight end Evan Engram. That's one question the Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been able to figure out.

Entering the 2023 NFL season, Engram is set to play under the franchise tag for $11.4 million. However, the Jaguars have until July 17th to reach a long-term contract extension with the talented pass-catcher. The thing is, even Engram himself could play hard to get following a bad year in the market for tight ends.

Many of the best free agent tight ends this offseason signed for surprisingly low figures around the NFL. Engram is likely to remain patient throughout this entire process. Fortunately for him, he plays in the perfect offense for someone like him and he's likely to put up big numbers once more.

An anonymous former NFL scout perfectly described this in a recent tweet. "The Honest NFL" is a Twitter account belonging to a former pro scout that does a tremendous job explaining the nitty gritty of the complex sport that is football.

"Evan Engram was born to play in (Doug Pederson's) offense," he wrote in a tweet. "It allows tight ends who understand leverage and how to use it to reap the rewards of what the coverage presents."

In the tweet, he included a clip of the Jaguars running a "stick nod" concept. In this route, Engram begins to run a stick route before turning upfield in what's essentially a double move. The New York Giants appear to be playing Cover 1 (man coverage) and Engram exploits the defender when he "bites" on the stick route.

You can watch the clip below.

Evan Engram was born to play in this offense. It allows TEs who understand leverage and how to use it to reap the rewards of what the coverage presents, whether that be matchups or just voided space in the undercoverage. This Stick Nod is just textbook. pic.twitter.com/iZb0Ugxxq2

— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) July 4, 2023

For a long time, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson has been known to love his tight ends. They're a big part of his offense and there's no question Engram provides high-caliber route running and hands at the position. The fact that he understands how to manipulate coverage goes a long way for the unit led by Trevor Lawrence.

In 2022, Engram reached a career-high 766-yard mark in 73 catches, also a career-high. Although Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk are likelier to get most of the spotlight in the upcoming season, Engram will be a critical piece of the offense.

And while the Jags drafted TE Brenton Strange in the second round, expect the rookie to take on a different role than Engram. The latter will play more as a slot-type player while Strange will be more of an in-line tight end.

Whether it's before July 17th or next offseason, Engram "was born" to play for Pederson. Here's hoping the relationship lives beyond 2023.

Jaguars need to make one big change to become legit AFC contenders

If the Jacksonville Jaguars are to take the next step in a loaded conference during the 2023 NFL season, they must change their approach with Trevor Lawrence.

Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports