DONE DEAL: Denver Broncos Sign Top NFL Free Agent Tight End Evan Engram Over L.A. Chargers for $85 Million
In a major turn of events during the 2025 NFL free agency period, the Denver Broncos have secured a deal with one of the most coveted free agents on the market: tight end Evan Engram. The Broncos have agreed to a lucrative $85 million contract with Engram, outbidding the Los Angeles Chargers and several other teams vying for the 27-year-old’s services. The deal, which was finalized on Tuesday afternoon, is one of the most significant signings of the offseason, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the Broncos’ offense and their prospects for the upcoming season.
A High-Stakes Battle for Evan Engram
When NFL free agency kicked off in 2025, Engram quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after players. Known for his explosive athleticism, pass-catching ability, and versatility, Engram has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. The 6’3″, 240-pound tight end has been a consistent producer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he spent the past four seasons after being drafted by the New York Giants in 2017.
Engram’s ability to line up both inline and in the slot, combined with his strong route-running skills and deep threat potential, made him a top target for several NFL teams in need of a dynamic weapon at the tight end position. The Los Angeles Chargers were believed to be one of the frontrunners for Engram’s services, especially with their need for an additional pass-catching option alongside star quarterback Justin Herbert.
However, the Denver Broncos emerged as the surprise favorites in this bidding war, with rumors swirling that they were prepared to offer Engram a deal he couldn’t refuse. The Broncos, who have been looking to revamp their offense under head coach Sean Payton, saw Engram as the perfect addition to their system. With quarterback Russell Wilson entering his second season under Payton’s guidance, the Broncos were keen on adding another reliable weapon to complement wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and improve their passing attack, which has struggled in recent seasons.
Engram’s decision to sign with Denver over Los Angeles came as a shock to many, especially given the Chargers’ desperate need for a tight end. Sources close to Engram revealed that while the Chargers made a competitive offer, the Broncos’ vision for his role in the offense and their commitment to building a championship-contending team were key factors in his decision.
The Financials: $85 Million Over 5 Years
Evan Engram’s new contract with the Denver Broncos is a five-year deal worth a total of $85 million, with $47 million guaranteed. The deal is one of the largest contracts ever handed out to a tight end in free agency and solidifies Engram’s status as one of the top players at his position in the NFL. His average annual salary of $17 million places him near the top of the tight end market, with only a few elite players such as Travis Kelce and George Kittle making more.
Engram’s contract features a hefty signing bonus of $15 million and a base salary of $7 million for the upcoming season, with escalators tied to performance incentives. If Engram reaches certain statistical milestones, including yardage and touchdown thresholds, his salary could increase significantly in the latter years of the deal. The contract also includes a no-trade clause, ensuring that Engram will have some control over his future should the Broncos decide to move on from him before the deal expires.
The financial commitment reflects the Broncos’ belief that Engram can be a game-changing player for their offense, providing Wilson with a reliable and dynamic target across the middle of the field and in the red zone.
How Engram Fits in the Broncos’ Offense
The addition of Evan Engram to the Denver Broncos’ roster is a significant boost to the team’s offense, which finished 2024 ranked 18th in total yards and 21st in points scored. The Broncos’ passing attack was inconsistent, and while Russell Wilson showed flashes of his former Pro Bowl self, the offense struggled to find balance and rhythm. With the signing of Engram, the Broncos are hoping to provide Wilson with a more reliable target in critical situations.
One of Engram’s biggest strengths is his ability to stretch the field vertically from the tight end position. A former wide receiver in college, Engram’s speed and ability to separate from defenders have allowed him to consistently challenge defenses deep down the field. This is something the Broncos’ offense has lacked in recent years, as their tight ends were often used primarily as blockers or short-yardage pass-catchers. With Engram now in the fold, the Broncos can deploy him in a variety of ways, whether it’s as a traditional tight end in the formation, a slot receiver, or even motioning him out wide to create mismatches.
Head coach Sean Payton, who has a reputation for designing innovative offensive schemes, is excited about the potential that Engram brings to the table. “Evan is a unique talent. His ability to line up in different spots and create mismatches is something that’s going to be a huge asset for us,” Payton said in a statement following the deal’s announcement. “We’re looking forward to getting him in our system and seeing how he can elevate our offense.”
Wilson, who has faced his share of criticism over the past few seasons, will undoubtedly benefit from having another weapon to target in the passing game. Engram’s presence should also help alleviate some of the pressure on the Broncos’ wide receivers, as defenses will need to account for the athletic tight end in both the short and deep passing game. Engram’s size and catch radius make him a dangerous red-zone threat, and his ability to create mismatches with defenders could open up opportunities for other players on the offense.
Impact on the Broncos’ Cap Space and Future Moves
While the $85 million deal for Engram is a significant financial commitment, the Broncos have positioned themselves well in terms of salary cap space, which allowed them to make such a splash in free agency. Prior to the signing, the Broncos had one of the highest cap spaces in the league, and general manager George Paton was intent on using that flexibility to improve the team’s chances of contention.
The signing of Engram may not be the last move the Broncos make this offseason. The team has been linked to other potential signings, including bolstering their defensive line and adding more depth to their receiving corps. With Engram now in the fold, the Broncos will likely turn their attention to other areas of need while continuing to build a roster capable of competing in the competitive AFC West.
The Future of the Tight End Market
Engram’s deal is also indicative of the growing importance of the tight end position in the modern NFL. Tight ends are no longer just blockers and checkdown options for quarterbacks; they have become critical playmakers in the passing game. As teams continue to prioritize versatility and mismatches, we can expect the market for top-tier tight ends to continue rising. Engram’s deal is just the latest example of this shift in the league, and other top tight ends may be looking to cash in on similar contracts in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ signing of Evan Engram is a major statement move that signals the team’s commitment to improving their offense and returning to relevance in the AFC. The $85 million deal represents a significant investment in one of the most dynamic and versatile tight ends in the league, and it is expected to pay dividends for the Broncos in the 2025 season and beyond.
With Engram now in the fold, the Broncos are hoping to take the next step in their rebuild under head coach Sean Payton. The addition of Engram gives Russell Wilson another weapon to work with, and it provides the Broncos with a much-needed boost to their passing attack. As the team looks to build on this momentum, Engram’s signing will be a key piece of their offensive puzzle moving forward.
