The Broncos finally found their tight end this offseason when they inked Evan Engram to a two-year contract in the offseason — or so the fans thought.

Engram, who boasts a unique combination of size and speed at the tight end position that allows him to play both on the line of scrimmage and lined up at the slot, was poised to provide a big boost to the Broncos’ pass attack that had struggled to find production from the tight end in 2024. Adam Trautman had the most yards in the room last season with 188.

ENGRAM’S LACK OF OPPORTUNITY

Through the first four games of Denver’s season, Engram has not been the player that many thought he would be. He’s already missed a game due to a back issue, and in the three games he’s played in, he’s only gotten 13 targets, which he’s turned into eight receptions for 62 yards. He was close to getting his first touchdown of the season in Monday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, as the Broncos gave him two opportunities in the flat to make a play, but he was unable to cross the plane.

Engram has only been on the field for 32.21% of the offense’s snaps this season. For comparison, Trautman has been out there for 52.81% of the plays, and is making over $15 million less than Engram.

What’s the deal? Why hasn’t Engram been getting as many snaps, or targets, that the fans thought he would when he was originally signed and projected to be the elusive “Joker” that Sean Payton’s offense always has.

After Broncos practice on Thursday, Payton was asked about potentially getting Engram in a rhythm early in Sunday’s contest against the Eagles.

“I think a lot of it is the script. There’s times where you definitely look to involve him. But we don’t come off a game like last week and then look at who got touches. We’re not playing the fantasy game. We’re trying to win,” Payton said.

For the fantasy football gurus who put their eggs in the Evan Engram basket ahead of the season, Engram is the No. 41 receiver in standard full-PPR leagues. That’s not what a lot of people had in mind when he first put on the orange and blue.

PAYTON SAYS THE GAME DICTATES WHAT HAPPENS

Payton tied the Engram scenario back to other talented pass catchers he’s had in the past and emphasized that the flow of the game dictates the lack of catches.

“I can recall, over the years, big wins against tough teams, and maybe a player like Graham or Mike Thomas didn’t [get the ball], and it’s not intentional; these guys are going to cloud Courtland [Sutton]. They’re going to put their best corner on them at times. And so some of that is how that game unfolds,” Payton said.

There was a game last year where Sutton posted a 0-0-0 stat line against the Saints, but that’s a little different because he’s the one who attracts the other team’s best corner. Engram, lined up inside of Sutton, generally has a nickel corner or a linebacker on him, while the top corner is taking care of Sutton. He’s shown his ability to get open and run after the catch in a limited fashion, but simply hasn’t gotten the opportunity to do so.

There have been times where Payton’s offense has looked very stagnant. Sutton has been the main guy for Bo Nix on third downs, as his 13 catches for first downs lead the team through four games. If teams pick up on that and tighten down on Sutton in big moments, that will open the door for Engram to make moves. He just needs to be given the opportunity to do so.