Year 2 Reset: Can Evan Engram Finally Unlock the ‘Joker’ Role in Sean Payton’s 2026 Offense?

ENGLEWOOD, CO — The hype train for Evan Engram’s arrival in Denver officially hit a speed bump last season. When the 2-year, $23 million contract was inked in March 2025, fantasy managers and Broncos fans envisioned the next Jimmy Graham. Instead, the box score looked more like a standard possession receiver than a mismatch nightmare. Engram finished his debut campaign with 50 receptions, 461 yards, and just 1 touchdown—numbers that left the Mile High faithful wanting more from their high-priced weapon.

The ‘Joker’ Disconnect

Sean Payton’s offense thrives on a “Joker”—a versatile tight end who creates defensive headaches by lining up in the slot, the backfield, or out wide. While Engram possesses the 4.42 speed to destroy linebackers, the connection with quarterback Bo Nix often lacked rhythm in 2025. You could feel the collective groan in the stands when Engram was targeted on short, 4-yard curls rather than vertical seams. The veteran tight end averaged a career-low 9.2 yards per catch, failing to stretch the field as many anticipated.

The arrival of offensive coordinator Davis Webb and the blockbuster trade for wideout Jaylen Waddle earlier this month changes the math for 2026. With Waddle clearing out the deep safety, the middle of the field should belong to Engram. If he can’t exploit those vacated lanes this year, his $14.1 million cap hit will become a heavy burden for a front office looking to maximize Nix’s rookie-scale window.

“We didn’t bring Evan here to be a decoy. He’s a weapon. Last year was about learning the language; this year is about speaking it fluently. We need to put him in positions to win, and that’s on me as much as it is on him.”
— Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Head Coach (via 2026 NFL Combine)

Playoff Implications / What’s Next

Denver narrowly missed the Super Bowl last February, falling just one game short in a heart-wrenching AFC Championship battle. To leapfrog the elite tiers of the AFC, the offense must evolve beyond safe throws. Engram is currently under contract for the final year of his deal before it voids in 2027. This is effectively a contract year for the 31-year-old.

Expect the Broncos to utilize more 12-personnel looks early in the 2026 season to see if Engram can reclaim his “big slot” dominance. With rumors swirling that the team might still look for a “Y” tight end in the draft to handle the heavy blocking, Engram’s role is shifting toward a pure receiver. If the “Joker” doesn’t emerge by Week 4, don’t be surprised if Denver looks for a younger, cheaper alternative in the 2027 free-agent market.