According to multiple reports, the cost cuts were the theme for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, with Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram becoming the cap victim.
According to Athletic, veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk is released anyway, traded with the Houston Texans in exchange for the 2026 seven-round pick.
Kirk will carry the team's biggest cap hit at $24.1 million, and the team is planning to save just a small $10 million by pulling him out of the book, according to CAP.
Engram was Jacksonville's second-largest cap hit of the 2025 season, surpassing CAP at $19.49 million. By releasing him, Jag absorbs $13.5 million with $13.5 million in cap money, saving just under $6 million.
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) touches on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline/Imagn image)
Jacksonville's new GM James Gladstone was hired on February 21 to showcase his immediate plan to create cap space for free agent moves, with the 2025 NFL Draft class in mind.
Kirk's move makes sense considering Jags still have wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis and Parker Washington. A seven-year veteran, Kirk also has a history of injury.
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However, Engram had a breakout season in his second Pro Bowl year in 2023, with 114 catches and four touchdowns for 963 yards.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram catches a pass before the match on October 27, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
However, Engram handled the injury in 2024, tearing his lips that required surgery in mid-December. He also sat in weeks 2-5 with a hamstring injury, limiting him to nine games.
Engram finished the year with 47 receptions and one touchdown for 365 yards.
The 30-year-old was the first pick for the New York Giants from Ole Miss in 2017, and had a career up and down in five seasons before signing with the Jaguar.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram Lincoln Financial Field's Philadelphia Eagles. (Eric Hartline/Imagn image)
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Free agent Engram is looking for a tight final team. The Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos may be looking at their divisions.
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