The Denver Broncos made a few massive offseason additions to bolster both sides of the ball. The biggest offensive addition was tight end Evan Engram. The Broncos signed Engram to a 2-year, $23 million contract with $16 million guaranteed.
It’s early in OTAs, but both Sean Payton and Bo Nix are already excited for what Engram can bring to the team.
The tight end position was nearly irrelevant for the Broncos in 2024. Denver’s leading tight end, Adam Trautman, reeled in 13 catches for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The entire group accounted for just 483 yards last season.
Engram will be entering his 10th season in the NFL in 2025. In nine seasons, he’s collected nearly 500 receptions, 5,000 receiving yards, and scored 25 touchdowns. Engram averages 9.9 yards per catch in his career.
During OTAs, Payton expressed what Engram’s ability to work the middle of the field and outside does for an offense.
“I think it helps a lot, depending on the coverages you’re getting,” Payton said. “But, your third down, red zone game plans – I think it really helps.”
Engram’s 2024 season was cut short by a torn shoulder labrum, but prior to last season, the veteran tight end had shown the ability to stay healthy and provide production.
Between 2020 and 2023, Engram spent two years with the New York Giants and two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed one game over that four-year stretch.
From 2021 to 2023, Engram increased his production every year. His receiving total grew from 408 yards to 766 yards to 963 yards. Engram caught 114 passes and four touchdowns in his near-1,000-yard campaign.
Engram is the perfect security blanket for Nix as he gets set for his sophomore season, and Nix is already excited to begin working with his new weapon.
“It’s very clear from the beginning that he is all about football. He’s been here since he was signed, you know, getting ready and preparing. Early on in OTAs, you get to come out here and throw routes and just see what he’s like,” Nix said. “See what kind of routes he runs and see what he’s thinking. We talk a lot. He’s always asking me about certain things.
“When you get him out to practice, it’s just seeing how he reacts. I’m excited to include him and add him to what we already have. I think it’ll be good for us.”
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