Evan Engram’s first season in Denver was a flat-out “meh.” No sugar coating it. Fifty receptions for 461 yards and just one touchdown? That’s not terrible, sure, but it’s certainly not great, especially when he’s carrying a $14.1 million salary cap hit for 2026. The guy was supposed to be Sean Payton’s “Joker,” a dynamic playmaker, but what we saw on the field for most of the 2025 season was a player who never quite became the focal point of that offense.
The “Meh” and The Mystery
Remember all the talk about Engram being that “Joker” piece for Payton’s offense? The exact reason they signed him? Yeah, me too. The idea was his playmaking ability and threat over the middle would be a nightmare for defenses. But for a player with such a hefty price tag and a specific vision from the head coach, 2025 was a huge letdown. His best outing was six catches for 79 yards against the Washington Commanders. Good, not great. It makes you wonder, right? Why was he such a passenger? The article points to a mix of things: game planning, the overall offense, Bo Nix’s play, and Engram himself. That’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen potentially spoiling the broth, and it definitely left a lot of fans scratching their heads. For $14.1 million, you need more than just “meh.” You need that specific element at tight end that benefits Nix and the entire offense. You need him utilized.
Waddle, Webb, and the Hope for a Hand
Now, with training camp on the horizon for 2026, how they finally unleash Engram is going to be one of the most intriguing storylines to track. The Broncos just added Jaylen Waddle, and that’s a move that should make everyone better. Waddle elevates the entire receiving room, and he’s going to make Bo Nix a better quarterback just by being out there. Critically, Waddle should also be a huge boost for Engram. Having a dynamic receiver like that on the field forces defenses to adjust, opening up space for Engram over the middle. New offensive coordinator Davis Webb has to capitalize on this. If Engram’s usage finally cranks up, that’s another serious weapon defenses have to account for. Couple that with the expectation of a more consistent and improved running game, and suddenly Webb has a lot more pieces to play with.
It all comes down to whether Denver can finally get the “Joker” version of Evan Engram we were promised, instead of just another “meh” performance. The upcoming season is going to show us if they can truly unlock his potential and make their offense better. It’s what everyone will be watching for when the 2026 season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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