Jaguars Expected to Use Franchise Tag on TE Evan Engram
News 3/2/23
The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to lock in one of their best playmakers for another season, using the franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram, ESPN reported on Thursday.
Under the franchise tag, Engram will earn $11.345 million in 2023. He achieved career highs in receiving yards (766) and receptions (73) after signing a one-year, $9 million deal with the Jaguars last year.
Engram said he wanted to stay in Jacksonville this season during an exclusive interview with The 33rd Team on Wednesday.
"I had a way better year, and I had so much fun," he said. "I just matured so much in my process and my work ethic. ... Jacksonville is definitely a place I want to be and continue my career. Jacksonville is definitely my No. 1 spot."
Engram's breakout season came after spending five seasons with the New York Giants. During 2021 free agency, he wanted to sign with Jacksonville because of coach Doug Pederson's previous work with tight ends, including Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz.
Pederson's offense proved to be a good match for Engram, who helped the Jaguars make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. However, the tight end believes the team can reach new heights in 2023.
"We get a clean slate," Engram said. "We have the offense coming back. We have the same system, so now we get to build on our foundation with things and ways to attack our opponents. ... I think we're going to be a hard to stop and a hard team to beat."
Engram was ranked 28th on The 33rd Team's top 150 free agents list.