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Evan Engram hasn’t yet received the long-term contract he wants from the Jacksonville Jaguars. After getting franchised by the team earlier this year, Engram and the Jaguars have until July 17 to reach terms on a multi-year deal.
It’s safe to say he isn’t in a rush to play elsewhere, though.
In an appearance on the “2nd Wind” podcast, the former New York Giants tight end said he owes his career revival to the Jaguars.
“I wanted to be great where I got drafted … but that just wasn’t for me. At the end of the day, I needed Jacksonville,” Engram said. “I needed the coaches I had there, I needed the relationships I’ve built with the guys there. I had the best time of my life the past season.
“It was the first time in my career where I didn’t want to leave the building. It was a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, I’m in the building just staying because I want to work, I want to watch more film, I’m staying with Trevor after the day is over watching film with him.”
Engram, 28, finished his final season with the Giants with 46 receptions, 408 yards, and three touchdowns. He earned a reputation for drops, recording 29 in five years with New York, according to PFF.
With the Jaguars, Engram dropped just three passes and finished the 2022 season with 73 receptions, 766 yards, and four touchdowns. He added another 124 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs.
If Jacksonville and Engram can’t reach a deal before the July deadline, the tight end will be set to play the 2023 season on another one-year deal.