The Denver Broncos made one of the offseason’s most high-profile free agent moves on March 13, signing veteran tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, \$23 million deal.
Engram’s arrival brings a boost to the Broncos’ passing attack as they aim to build on a strong 2024 season that ended their long postseason drought. He joins a tight end group that includes Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull, among others.
However, becoming the standout name in Denver’s tight end group wasn’t what drove Evan Engram to sign with the Broncos. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Engram explained his motivation plainly: “Honestly, everything about it,” he said when asked why he chose Denver.
Engram’s time on the free agent market was brief—he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars just a week before signing with the Broncos. According to Engram, Denver showed strong interest from the start, actively pursuing him once he became available.
“They were the first team to call when I got cut,” Engram said. “Just talking to them, getting to know them, getting here, getting in the building, feeling the energy here, meeting with some of the guys, hanging out with coaches, hanging out with the front office. Just the expectations that are here, the team that’s here, the quarterback that’s here, the coach that’s here… I could go on for days.”
Another team involved in pursuing Engram was the Los Angeles Chargers, a division rival of the Broncos. After missing out on Engram, the Chargers signed former New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin instead.
Despite his visit to L.A., Engram admitted Denver stayed top of mind throughout the process.
“Free agency is a crazy roller coaster. \[I] took a visit to LA. Great organization there, as well. I had a great visit with them,” Engram said. “But the best place for me and my family was here in Denver.”
The Broncos will mark the third stop in Evan Engram’s NFL career, following stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–2024) and the New York Giants (2017–2021). A first-round pick by the Giants in the 2017 NFL Draft, Engram has since earned two Pro Bowl selections and amassed 496 receptions, 4,922 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Engram shared his enthusiasm for the new chapter in Denver.
“\[I’m] blessed to be here,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason, and I’m really glad to be in Denver.”
