Engram's Pressure to Perform for Broncos

0:00On March 20th, Evan Engram's first year with the Denver Broncos fell short of expectations after signing a two-year, $23 million deal. In March 2025, he posted 50 receptions for 461 yards and just one touchdown, looking more like a basic tight-end than the star many hope for. In Sean Payton's system, Payton's offense relies on a Joker tight-end who moves around to confuse defenses, but Engram's connection with quarterback Bonix stayed mostly on. Short routes, averaging a career low 9.2 yards per catch. That changed this off-season with the hiring of offensive coordinator Davis Webb and a big trade for wide receiver Jalen Waddle who should pull, coverage deep and open up the middle. Broncos fans were left frustrated by the underwhelming output from their big free agent signing, especially after Denver came so close to the super. The whole last February, losing in the AFC Championship game, the team needs more explosive plays to compete in the tough AFC.

1:02Now in the final year of his contract before it voids in 2027, the 31-year-old Engram faces real pressure with a 14-point, $1 million cap hit. Denver plans to use more 12 personnel sets early in the 2026 season to let him focus purely on receiving, while possibly drafting A, blocking, tight-end. With Engram can't step up as that Joker by mid-season, the Broncos might shop for a younger option in free agency next year to build around Bonix's. Rookie Deal