Trevor Lawrence on Jaguars TE Evan Engram: ‘He’s Going To Be Ready’
One important face is missing from the first week of the Jacksonville Jaguars' voluntary offseason workout program, but it isn't an absence that is drawing concerns.
Tight end Evan Engram is one of a handful of NFL players who have been franchise-tagged this offseason and have since opted to not attend voluntary workouts. For Engram, who hopes to sign a multi-year deal with the Jaguars after a career year in 2023, the absence is one that isn't phasing quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
"We threw a few weeks ago. He looks great, he’s in great shape. Obviously, it’s good to see him. We have a really good relationship, and I’ve been staying in touch with him. He’s doing great. I know he’s taking care of business on his end, and he’s doing a great job, and you can tell he’s going to be ready when the time comes," Lawrence said on Wednesday when asked about Engram.
"Obviously, in my position, I don’t have any control in that, and it’s just something they’ve got to work out, and I’m just here ready for whatever that day is he comes back. With a guy like that, you guys have all seen it, his work ethic, and our coaches and staff feel the same way. You don’t worry about him."
Teams and franchise players can sign multi-year extensions until July 17 (the typical deadline is July 15 unless on a weekend; because July 15 is on a Saturday this year, the deadline is the following Monday).
Jacksonville and general manager Trent Baalke have used the franchise tag in each of the last two offseasons, each time placing it on left tackle Cam Robinson. Robinson played the 2021 season on the tag, but he signed a contract extension last April after initially being tagged. This is technically the fourth year in a row the Jaguars have used the tag after they tagged Yannick Ngakoue in 2020.
Engram had a career year in 2022 as he caught 73 passes for 766 yards and four touchdowns, along with 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games.
For now, Engram is not yet back inside TIAA Bank Field. But once he is, Lawrence and the rest of the Jaguars' offense are confident that they will pick up right where they left off.
"He’s taking care of business, and he’s going to be ready. It’s not something you worry about, obviously, it’s a guy you want around just because he’s great for the locker room, and he’s a great player," Lawrence said.
"We know that’s going to come.”
