Jags expected to use franchise tag on TE Evan Engram

After a solid 2022 season, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been the most discussed topic of the team's offseason. The reason for that is that he has an expiring contract that will make him a free agent this offseason.

However, with the NFL Scouting Combine ongoing, the buzz surrounding Engram was that he would remain a Jaguar -- and the Jags made certain of that on Thursday. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jags plan on using the franchise tag on the former first-round pick, which would put him under contract for one more year.

Engram, 28, joined the Jags last season in free agency after previously spending the beginning of his career with the New York Giants. Under coach Doug Peterson's offense, Engram had a career year in terms of receptions and yards, accumulating 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns. He especially played a big role in the Jags' 7-1 run to end the regular season.

Earlier this week, NFL Network reported that Engram would remain a Jaguar in some way, shape, or form. Of course, most players' preference would be a long-term deal, but at the very least, the Jags will be able to retain one of Trevor Lawrence's top targets and a key player for Pederson's offense.

Despite the Jags' plans to franchise Engram, the opportunity for a long-term deal is still on the table, as the team may be using the tag as a placeholder until both sides can meet somewhere in the middle. However, if a long-term deal isn't struck by the league's deadline of July 15, Engram would earn a salary of $11.345 million under the tag. That salary would also be one that's fully guaranteed.