The 2025 season did not go as Evan Engram or the Denver Broncos had hoped when the two-time Pro Bowler signed in free agency during the offseason, leading to significant questions about his future with the franchise.
Those questions continued in free agency and on the trade market this offseason, and only intensified as news of the Broncos’ interest in the tight ends of the 2026 draft class emerged.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton shed light on both fronts on Thursday.
Evan Engram Gets Clear Message From Broncos HC Sean Payton
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos runs after the catch during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Engram, who turns 32 in September, signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Broncos last offseason.
He hit the 50-reception mark for the fifth time in his career. But his 461 yards were his third-fewest, and he had 1 touchdown. The former New York Giants first-round pick (23rd overall in 2017) and Jacksonville Jaguars TE was a speculative cut candidate entering this offseason.
Instead, Payton indicated that the Broncos plan to lean on Engram even more in 2026.
“We definitely view him as a key piece,” Payton told reporters on April 16, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens noted that the veteran head coach added of Engram, “He’s someone that gave us a lot of big plays a year ago and will continue to find ways to keep and add to his workload.”
Engram’s 76 targets were his fifth most.
They were notably third-most on the Broncos. That is despite his starting two of the 16 games that he played. He logged the second-most snaps among the TEs behind Adam Trautman.
Engram will count $14.1 million against the Broncos’ salary cap this season, which, given his production, fueled the speculation about his future. However, there is also a $2.6 million cap hit in 2027 due to a void year on his deal.
Denver would incur more dead money ($7.6M) than they would save ($6.5M) if they cut him.
That is with a post-June 1 designation, so it makes sense for the Broncos to get what they can on the field out of Engram, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Broncos Still Eyeing 2026 TE Class
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos looks on during a game against the Houston Texans.
Engram’s place in the Broncos’ TE room seems secure. It also includes Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, and 2025 seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner. However, Payton indicated that the Broncos are indeed still focused on the 2026 class.
“Sean Payton on the TE crop: Said there’s a nice variety of different types, from blocking, ‘Y’ prospects to more ‘F’ move-type players,” the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X.
“Believe it or not, he did not tip his hand on which type he’s interested in.”
The Broncos have done their homework on a variety of options at the position in the 2026 draft class. That includes visits with top prospect Kenyon Sadiq, converted quarterback Eli Stowers, and potential late-round gem Joe Royer.
The Broncos do not have a first-round pick, thanks to their trade for Jaylen Waddle. There are no plans to trade back into it.
That is again good news for Engram, presuming the Broncos stick to that plan.
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