The Unraveling Star: Engram's Performance Under Scrutiny
Engram's Underwhelming Broncos Debut
Evan Engram's inaugural season with the Denver Broncos, following a notable free-agent acquisition in 2025, proved to be profoundly disappointing. His stat line of 50 receptions for 461 yards and a single touchdown barely conveyed the extent of his struggles on the field.
Absence from Elite Tight End Rankings
Despite being positioned as the Broncos' primary tight end for the upcoming 2026 season, Engram was conspicuously absent from ESPN's recent top 10 tight end rankings, compiled from the insights of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Even the honorable mention list failed to include his name, suggesting a significant drop in his perceived value across the league.
A Sharp Decline from Previous Success
This exclusion is particularly striking given Engram's impressive 2023 season with the Jaguars, where he recorded 114 receptions, marking one of the highest tallies for a tight end in recent history. His current performance has led many to view him as a shadow of his former self, raising questions about his ability to reclaim his peak form.
The Broncos' Dilemma: Maximizing Engram's Potential
The onus is now on the Broncos to reignite Engram's career. With the addition of new talent like Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley, Engram's role as the leading tight end is clear, but his engagement in the passing game must significantly increase in 2026 for the team's offense to thrive. The franchise must determine if he can adapt to their system or if his current trajectory is irreversible.
Contractual Pressure and Future Implications
As Engram approaches the final year of his contract, the pressure to perform is immense. His inability to secure even a single vote in the tight end rankings suggests a critical juncture in his career. The Broncos need to evaluate whether he can still be the dynamic player he once was, or if the investment in him has yielded diminishing returns.
