The Broncos outflanked the Chargers to sign Evan Engram last March, giving the former Pro Bowler a two-year, $23MM contract. Denver did not see desired results from that deal, as Engram and Bo Nix were not often on the same page.
But the 10th-year veteran remains on the Broncos’ roster. Denver was believed to be in on Dallas Goedert, but he re-signed with the Eagles. David Njoku remains unsigned, potentially needing to wait until the post-compensatory formula free agency wave post-draft. As of now, the Broncos are still planning to have Engram back. The 31-year-old pass catcher remains a key piece for the team, Sean Payton said (via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson).
Nix found Engram for 50 receptions for 461 yards and a touchdown last season, but he did not become a steady presence for the team. Courtland Sutton ventured to his second Pro Bowl, and second-year receiver Troy Franklin showed growth en route to becoming the Broncos’ No. 2 target. Denver has since acquired Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade. The defending AFC West champs are not planning to deal from their suddenly deep receiving corps, either, planning to retain both Marvin Mims and Pat Bryant. Payton’s pass-catching arsenal is now crowded.
To bring Engram to Denver last year, the Broncos gave him $16.5MM guaranteed at signing. Of the former Giants and Jaguars pass catcher’s $10.99MM 2026 base salary, $5MM is guaranteed. I identified Engram as a possible cut candidate ahead of free agency, but the Broncos did not add any veterans. They have met with a few rookie options, bringing in Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, Ohio State’s Max Klare and NC State’s Justin Joly on “30” visits.
The Broncos could jettison Engram after June 1 and save $6.47MM; cutting him now makes little sense, as it would bring $10.33MM in dead cap. Without a young pass-catching option at tight end, the Broncos probably need to come out of the draft with one. Engram will turn 32 in September and is unsigned beyond 2026. Engram staying on as a bridge option of sorts would make sense, as the Broncos still have Nix on a rookie contract. But this will probably be Engram’s last year in Denver, if he indeed is rostered come Week 1.
Wonder what and Engram trade would look like. Pick only. What could he fetch.
A third maybe.
A third is outrageous. I say a 6th from a TE needy and desperate team. If they pay most of his salary and throw in a 6th or 7th then they MIGHT fetch a 4th.
Meh maybe he boosts stock this year and as a free agent gets paid again anyway