Jaguars and Evan Engram Interested in Contract Extension

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke and tight end Evan Engram are interested in a contract extension regarding the tight end.

According to Pro Football Talk, Baalke said in a press conference today that it is unlikely that he will spend as much money this offseason as he did last offseason. However, he is interested in retrieving some key free-agent pieces, most notably tight end Evan Engram.

“Obviously, we would love to have Evan back,” Baalke said. “Evan and I visited him yesterday, he went around the building and met everyone. I think he is mutual. Now we have to make it happen. That’s something we’re going to work on with Evan and all the other free agents we have. We have a list of them that we have to cut one at a time.”

Engram comes from a career year. The former first-round pick from Mississippi looked like a flop when he played for the New York Giants. He then signed a one-year trial contract with the Jags and had his best season yet. Engram had career-highs in receptions (73) and yards (766).

He’s played every game this season and even caught 12 fumbles for 124 yards and a touchdown in the two postseason games.

He only had 4 touchdowns on the year. Engram had to compete with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones for targets.

Other notable free agents from the Jaguars include offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and pass rusher Arden Key.

It would make sense to let Marvin Jones Jr. go to free agency. However, Jones Jr. is growing in age. The latest addition, Calvin Ridley, will return for the team next season. To make matters worse, Jones will be further down the depth chart with Zay Jones passing him this year.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence will have a weapons allowance at his disposal next season. The Jaguars will most likely be the favorites to win the AFC South with the Florida sportsbooks if Engram and other key players re-sign.