Engram’s 2025 season was solid but not transformative: 50 receptions for 461 yards and 1 touchdown, with a quiet two-game playoff showing (3 receptions for 26 yards). The production failed to justify a sizable investment in the context of Denver’s budget and expectations.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti identified Engram as the top offseason trade candidate for the Broncos, noting that about $5 million of Engram’s 2026 salary is guaranteed and detailing the team’s likely aim to move the 1-year, $11.5 million cap hit via a trade or similar arrangement.
Denver’s plan had been for Engram to help fill the “Joker” role in Sean Payton’s offense, aided by the club’s freed-up flexibility after absorbing substantial dead-cap costs from the Russell Wilson era. The hope was to unlock a high-impact, versatile tight end in a system designed for multiple receiving options.
The move looks increasingly questionable in hindsight when contrasted with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to part ways with Engram under coach Liam Coen. Jaguars’ replacement Brenton Strange delivered more in a smaller sample size — 46 receptions, 540 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 12 games — highlighting a potential mismatch between Engram’s contract and on-field impact.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak built on the critique, suggesting Engram’s value peaks as a high-volume underneath target rather than a game-changing playmaker or blocker—an assessment that, coupled with the contract structure, has fueled ongoing questions about the Broncos’ decision to sign him at that price.
