The Denver Broncos thought they were getting one thing with free agent tight end Evan Engram when they signed him to a 2-year, $23 million contract on March 12 — an elite weapon who could fit the “Joker” role in head coach Sean Payton’s offense.
What they got, instead, is a player yet to show any glimpse of that upside and someone who hasn’t given the Broncos any improvement at arguably their weakest offensive position from one year ago.
Engram’s struggles were underlined in a 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 in which he had 1 reception for 12 yards on 2 targets.
“Evan Engram has been a real non-factor today,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans wote on X on September 14. “Usage in Week 1 was a little odd at times too even before calf injury.”
Through the first 2 games, Engram has 4 receptions for 21 yards and no touchdowns.
Engram’s Absence In Offense Getting Noticed
Engram, a 2-time Pro Bowler, was supposed to be a big component in the offense. Making a negligible impact after a promising preseason hasn’t gone unnoticed.
That was underlined by backup tight end Adam Trautman scoring a touchdown against the Colts.
“Does Evan Engram even exist?” Yahoo Fantasy Sports wrote on its official X account next to a video Trautman’s touchdown reception from Bo Nix. “(Engram) has more false start penalties (1) than targets (0) today.”
“I thought Evan Engram was supposed to be the joker?” X user The Uce wrote. “So far, he’s been a joke.”
“Can someone explain to my why … Courtland Sutton didn’t see many targets? Evan Engram isn’t apart of the offense?” X user Bro Brian wrote.
“Drafted Evan Engram (in fantasy football) thinking he’d at least be a serviceable TE.” X user Leo P wrote. “Had no idea I was drafting ‘the invisible man’ and a complete afterthought on that Denver offense.”
“Everyone go delete your offseason Evan Engram tweets,” X user Dukes wrote.
Insider Predicted Problems With Engram
ESPN’s Ben Solak called out signing Engram as one of the NFL free agent deals he “didn’t love” and wondered if Engram can really be a viable fix for the Broncos’ tight end woes.
“(Engram) adds the most value when he’s a high-volume underneath receiver,” Solak wrote on March 26. “On days in which Courtland Sutton demands high volume, or on which the Broncos want to be a run-heavy team … Engram could be obsolete. He doesn’t create big plays downfield or after the catch, and he isn’t an impactful blocker. It’s not a bad deal since the financial commitment isn’t huge. I’m just less enthusiastic about it than most are.”
Engram was coming off the worst statistical season of his career in 2024 with just 47 receptions for 365 yards and 1 touchdown in 9 games.
He finished the season on injured reserve with a torn labrum as the Jacksonville Jaguars stumbled to a 4-13 record before head coach Doug Pedersen was fired and replaced with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen.