Evan Engram might turn out to be the perfect addition to the Denver Broncos’ offense.

For his own contractual future, Engram better hope so.

He’s entering his age-30 seasons, and veteran tight ends aren’t exactly walking around getting big paydays.

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Here’s what ESPN’s Bill Barnwell writes on the matter:

If you think the NFL is loath to pay players over 30 at key positions, just wait for positions on the bottom of the spectrum. Tight end is a spot in which players often struggle to make an impact as they pass 30, either by slowing down or not staying on the field. When they do have an exceptional season, as Zach Ertz did with Washington in 2024, veterans often struggle to parlay their performance into a multiyear guarantee.

One of the few potential exceptions to that rule might pop up in 2025. Entering his age-30 season, Engram is joining the best situation of his career. Having toiled with the Giants and Jaguars, he’s joining a Denver team coming off a playoff berth. Coach Sean Payton will be the best offensive playcaller he has ever played for. Bo Nix might end up being the best quarterback he has ever caught passes from on a regular basis (although I’m still holding out hope for Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville). There are plenty of other options in Denver, but outside of Courtland Sutton, none of them is a surefire bet to lock up significant target share.

And after years of being a safety valve and underneath option for the Jaguars, Engram appears to be in line for a role with some verticality up the seam, playing to what was once 4.42-second 40-yard dash speed. If he develops a quick rapport with Nix and carves out a significant role in the offense, a Broncos team with a quarterback on a rookie deal might not want to mess with a good thing and keep him around for years to come. Otherwise, Engram is probably looking at one-year deals for the remainder of his career.

MORE: Micah Parsons risks temporary retirement, frozen contract if he leaves training camp

Engram has joined Denver at an exciting time. With Nix proving he might be a special QB, the addition of a skill target like Engram could pay huge dividends.

Broncos fans will surely enjoy the exceptional athleticism out of a large man that Engram brings to the field.

It’s up to Engram to ensure his future is well-paid, too.

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