JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – According to a person familiar with the negotiations, tight end Evan Engram and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday agreed to a three-year, $41.25 million deal that includes a $24 million guarantee.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been signed nor made public. His agent Mike McCartney announced via Twitter that the deal had been finalized. Engram was in the mail a few minutes later a picture of himself at Everbank Field with the caption “I’m home” and a praying hands emoji.
The sides have beaten Monday afternoon’s deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term contracts.
Under the franchise tag, Engram had been guaranteed a one-year, $11.345 million contract that season. But he and the team had been vocal in favor of a long-term deal. Now Engram will play a key role in Jacksonville’s efforts to establish themselves as AFC South champions – and beyond.
His new median salary of $13.75 million puts him sixth, behind Darren Waller, George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert and Mark Andrews.
The return of Engram, a 2017 New York Giants first-round draft pick, was never really in question after he caught 73 passes for 766 yards — both career highs — and four touchdowns last season.
Engram immediately developed chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and a strong bond with receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. The Jaguars expect even bigger things to come in the Core’s second season together, particularly with the signing of former Atlanta receiver Calvin Ridley.
Engram signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Jags in 2022. General manager Trent Baalke wanted a longer contract, but Engram believed he would thrive with a fresh start outside of New York’s garish — and often harsh — limelight, so he took less money in hopes of a bigger payday.
It turned out to be a solid pick for a talented player who had five seasons cut short with the Giants through injury.
In his freshman season in Jacksonville, he played every game for the first time in his pro career, not fumbling and finishing the game with just four lost passes.
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