Jaguars face urgent decision on Evan Engram as franchise tag deadline nears
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of faith in their offense from 2022 taking another step forward in 2023. And why shouldn't they? With Calvin Ridley in the fold, Travis Etienne coming off a very strong 2022, and Trevor Lawrence playing like a superstar in the second half of the year, the sky could be the […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of faith in their offense from 2022 taking another step forward in 2023. And why shouldn't they? With Calvin Ridley in the fold, Travis Etienne coming off a very strong 2022, and Trevor Lawrence playing like a superstar in the second half of the year, the sky could be the limit this fall for Jacksonville's offense.
And part of that success last year came through a career season from tight end Evan Engram. Set to be an unrestricted free agent in March, the team placed the franchise tag on him for the 2023 season. The team's designation of the tag exhibited a clear interest in keeping Engram in their plans.
However, for what length of time could those plans be? For those keeping track of whether the Jaguars and Engram can work out a long-term deal, the clock is approaching midnight.
Pursuant to league rules, teams and tagged players have until July 17 to come to an agreement on a long-term contract. If not, the two sides cannot agree to a long-term contract until after the season is complete.
There's little doubt that Engram was a key part of the offense last year and a substantial ingredient in Lawrence's massive turnaround from 2021. With 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, Engram totaled the best numbers in franchise history for a tight end in catches and receiving yards. It was also Engram's career best numbers, topping what had been his best season back in his rookie year with 64 catches for 722 yards.
The Jaguars banked on Engram's undeniable athleticism and potential in March 2022, when they signed him to a one-year, $9 million contract. Under the franchise tag, Engram will make $11.345 million this fall.
Now, the Jaguars must decide if they want to roll the dice one more year and risk Engram raising his market value and bargaining power one more time.
If the sides can't reach a deal by the franchise tag deadline, and Engram does raise his leverage this fall, it would at least mean some very good things for Lawrence and the Jaguars on Sundays.
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Featured image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
