Evan Engram

Engram played only 42% of offensive snaps in 2025 despite being signed as the 'Joker,' trailing Adam Trautman in recent games with just 23 of 59 snaps. The RJ Harvey emergence as the true joker role player further marginalized Engram's involvement.

Engram played only 42% of Denver's offensive snaps in his debut 2025 season, and he trailed teammate Adam Trautman in playing time in recent games, seeing the field for just 23 of 59 offensive snaps. This severe usage limitation caps his ceiling despite being the rostered "Joker."

Denver can cut Engram before June 1 and save $3.8 million of his $14.1 million cap number in 2026, and save nearly twice as much with a post-June 1 release. Engram has a cap number of over $14 million in 2026, and analysts do not think he will be on the team with that kind of figure.

At 31.4 years old, Engram is past his prime TE window. At 31 years old, it's fair to wonder how much quality football he has left in him. His dynasty window is extremely limited for any dynasty league investment.

Denver drafted Justin Joly (R5 P12), whom insiders (La Canfora) project to have an immediate role and who already carries a higher dynasty value (2021) than Engram. Joly's emergence is openly cited as the move that could push the Broncos to cut ties with Engram.

Engram is ready to make his pitch to the Broncos -- or anyone interested in his services. A mid-season trade could open a new opportunity if Denver releases him, though his age and contract make this a long shot.

Sean Payton publicly stated before the 2026 draft that Engram is 'a key piece' and that the team wants to 'add to his workload.' That explicit endorsement provides some floor and suggests the coaching staff still values his veteran presence.

Bo Nix's continued development as a passer could lift the entire Denver passing game. If Nix takes a Year 2 leap and Payton leans on the short-to-intermediate passing game, Engram is the most seasoned route runner in the room to benefit.

If Denver trades Engram (analysts suggest targeting a late-round pick), he could land with a TE-needy team seeking veteran depth. However, his $5M guaranteed 2026 salary and age make trade scenarios unlikely, with most teams preferring younger options.

Denver could approach Engram about converting non-guaranteed salary into incentives to reduce his $14.1M cap hit. While Engram expressed desire to return, accepting a pay cut seems the only path to remaining in Denver given the threadbare TE room.