The Jacksonville Jaguars announced plans to release two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram, marking a significant shift in the team's roster strategy. The decision coincides with the Jaguars' agreement to trade wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. These moves are aimed at restructuring the team's financial commitments and improving its cap space.
Releasing Engram will leave the Jaguars with three tight ends under contract for 2025: Brenton Strange, Shawn Bowman, and Patrick Murtagh. Among them, only Strange has recorded a catch in the NFL, highlighting a potential gap in experience at the position. This decision is part of a broader strategy as the Jaguars look to manage their salary cap effectively. By releasing Engram, along with fellow players Duvernay, Reynolds, and Darby, the team is set to save a total of $13 million, with $5.98 million attributed to Engram alone.
Engram's departure marks the end of a notable tenure with the Jaguars. Drafted No. 23 by the New York Giants in 2017, he joined Jacksonville after accumulating 262 receptions for 2,828 yards and 16 touchdowns over five seasons. The Jaguars initially used the franchise tag on him but managed to negotiate a deal before training camp. In his first year with the team, Engram caught 114 passes—a feat ranking second in franchise history and among tight ends in NFL history—for 963 yards and four touchdowns.
Despite signing a lucrative three-year, $41.25 million contract in 2023, with $25.5 million guaranteed, Engram's recent performance was marred by injuries. He sat out eight games due to hamstring and shoulder issues last season, finishing with 47 catches for 365 yards over nine games. His release also comes as a financial move, as Engram was set to earn $14.75 million in what would have been the final year of his deal.
The Jaguars' decision reflects a strategic approach to their roster management, prioritizing financial flexibility and long-term planning. With these changes, the team appears poised to explore new opportunities and align its roster with future objectives.
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