The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to release two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram, according to multiple reports Thursday.
Engram seemed to confirm the news on X (formerly Twitter) later in the day, posting, “It’s all love Jax. But they just let a mf dog loose! Excited for what’s next!”
Engram was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons with the franchise, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020.
Engram signed with the Jaguars in 2022. He has posted three successful seasons in Duval County, including his 2023 Pro Bowl season in which he hauled in 114 receptions (second-most in franchise history) for 963 yards and four touchdowns.
Last season, the veteran tight end logged only nine games due to injuries but still recorded 47 receptions for 365 yards and one TD. He had a respectable grade of 72.5 (11th among tight ends) by Pro Football Focus.
The 30-year-old was set to enter the final season of his three-year, $41.25 million contract. His release would free up $5.98 million in cap space, per ESPN. The Jaguars will still be on the hook for $13.5 million in dead money, per the reports.
The Jaguars will also release wide receiver Devin Duvernay and cornerback Ronald Darby per reports on Thursday.
Duvernay is an elite athlete; he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard at the 2020 NFL combine. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In Baltimore, he established himself as one of the best return men in the game. In 2021, he led the NFL in yards per punt return (13.8) and was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection. In 2022, he received his second straight Pro Bowl selection. That was also his biggest offensive season, posting 37 receptions for 407 yards and three touchdowns — all career bests.
Last season, Duvernay played his first campaign in Jacksonville. He was solid as a kick returner with 25.1 yards per return. However, he averaged a career-low 8.8 yards per punt return. He also played a very small role on offense with 11 receptions for 79 yards.
Darby is a 10-year veteran, who has played 118 career games. He appeared in 13 games last season for the Jaguars, making 12 starts. He had 46 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and nine passes defended.
In pass coverage, he allowed a career-high 120.0 opponent passer rating. His PFF coverage grade of 59.3 ranked 126th out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks.
The Jaguars are looking to shake up their roster following a disappointing 4-13 season. They reportedly agreed to trade wide receiver Christian Kirk to the division rival Houston Texans earlier Thursday.
–Field Level Media
