Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Engram reflects on move from Giants to Jaguars

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated May 25, 2023 6:33 PM ET

The 23rd overall pick in the 2017 draft, Evan Engram knew there was a certain amount of pressure that came with playing in a media market as demanding as New York.

During a recent appearance on the “2nd Wind” podcast, Engram confessed that although he failed to meet his personal expectations during his five years with the Giants, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason rejuvenated his love for football.

"I wanted to be great where I got drafted…but that just wasn't for me,” Engram said. “At the end of the day, I needed Jacksonville. I needed the coaches I had there, I needed the relationships I've built with the guys there. I had the best time of my life the past season.”

Aside from his Pro Bowl nod in 2020, Engram never really lived up to his billing as a first-round pick in New York. His best season was his rookie year in which he totaled 64 receptions, 722 yards and six touchdowns. However, the Giants went 3-13 that year and Engram saw the unruly side of the team’s fanbase and media.

Evan Engram still has nothing but love for his time with the @Giants pic.twitter.com/1bLEADEiw4
— 2nd Wind Podcast (@2ndWindPod) May 25, 2023

Injuries robbed Engram of most of his next two seasons, and when he returned he was catching passes from a revolving door of QBs including Daniel Jones, Colt McCoy, Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm. As the losses piled up (59 of them, to be exact), Engram knew he needed a change of scenery.

After signing a one-year, $9 million contract with Jacksonville, Engram had a career year. He caught 73 of his 98 targets for 766 yards and four touchdowns. The team was winning and competing for a playoff spot, and suddenly, football became fun again for Engram.

“It was the first time in my career where I didn't want to leave the building,” Engram said. “It was a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, I'm in the building just staying because I want to work, I want to watch more film. I stayed with Trevor (Lawrence) after the day is over watching film with him. All that stuff pays off.”

The Jaguars went 9-8 and won the AFC South last season. They’re projected to repeat as division champs this season.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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