Having a top-tier tight end can be a significant asset, and that’s exactly what the Denver Broncos hope they’ve added in Evan Engram. The former first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has made two Pro Bowls and has become just the eighth tight end in league history to record at least 100 receptions in a single season.
Ed McCaffrey Discusses Evan Engram’s Ability With the Denver Broncos
Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Broncos this offseason. He’s expected to help elevate rookie quarterback Bo Nix by providing another reliable weapon in the passing game. Last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Engram appeared in nine games and posted 47 catches on 64 targets for 365 yards (7.8 yards per catch) and one touchdown—modest numbers by his standards.
Even so, Engram has flashed star potential throughout his career and is aiming for a bounce-back season with Denver. The Broncos finished 16th in the NFL with a 75.3 Offensive+ grade, and a tight end with Engram’s skill set could help open things up for head coach Sean Payton’s offense. If he’s healthy, his versatility could give Nix a trustworthy target in the middle of the field.
Denver returned to the playoffs last season, but the offense underwent several changes, including the addition of Engram as a pass-catching option. In an exclusive interview with RG, Broncos legend Ed McCaffrey talked about how the move could benefit Nix in Year 2.
“They’re going to use him as a big receiver in the passing game, and he can sometimes be a quarterback’s best friend,” McCaffrey said. “Usually the tight ends run routes that are a little closer to the quarterback over the middle of the field, easy targets for the QB. If he gets pressure, they need a guy that can win in one-on-one situations at that tight end position. So that was a big pickup.”
Last season, Adam Trautman statistically led Denver’s tight end group with just 10 catches on 15 targets for 165 yards (16.5 yards per catch) and one touchdown. With Engram in the mix, Nix has a proven tight end who can line up in the slot, split out wide, or serve as a dependable option on check-downs and third downs.
For a young quarterback learning the speed and pressure of the NFL, having a security blanket like Engram can make all the difference. If Engram stays healthy, he could become one of the most important — and underrated — additions to Denver’s offense in 2025.