Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram, also known as the “Joker,” is eager for the 2025 season after joining the team on a two-year, $23 million contract during the offseason.
Engram will take on a role that has been central to head coach Sean Payton’s offenses, even before Payton’s time with the Broncos.
The former 23rd overall pick of the 2017 draft is highly motivated.
“Everything he’s been looking for in that type of position, I play. It’s what I’ve worked for,” Engram shared with Bennie Fowler on the “DNVR Broncos Podcast” on April 10. “The things I want to do in this offense, the skills I bring, and even areas I haven’t explored much, I’m driven to learn the details, understand the ins and outs, and then attack it with full energy.”
“It was clear that my skill set can be utilized within the offense,” Engram explained. “It was really exciting to hear the vision he has for me and to feel the enthusiasm I have to dive into that with full force.”
Engram also mentioned that after his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, a former teammate and draft classmate with the New York Giants, was the first to reach out.
The Broncos made a strong push to sign the two-time Pro Bowler.
Evan Engram Ends Narrative & Explains ‘Joker’ Post
Engram discussed how he feels there are aspects of his game that were underutilized during his time with the Jaguars.
One of those areas is stretching the field vertically, a skill that was questioned when he first signed.
“There are a lot of things I do well within that realm right now,” Engram said. “A big part of it was becoming more of a vertical threat in the offense. In Jacksonville, I was more of a master of the underneath game, which is crucial for offenses, especially for young quarterbacks. It helps stay ahead of the chains. I love that role and will continue to excel at it, but I’ll also be great at whatever I’m asked to do.”
He added, “The vertical presence he sees for me and the vision he has for that was huge for me. I do have that part of my game, and I’m ready to be unleashed in that area. The vision he has for that is the ‘Joker’ role.”
Engram explained that the tweet he posted was a way to embrace the moment. “But that’s exactly what Coach Payton was looking for – a player who can be a jack of all trades,” he told Fowler, who won a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015.
“I love the superhero and supervillain narrative – Spider-Man, Batman, Joker, all that stuff. So it’s definitely cool. I enjoy creating that story for myself to put a little healthy pressure on me as well. It’s something I’m going to fully embrace. And whatever I’m asked to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”
Evan Engram Hypes Broncos QB Bo Nix
Webb was the first member of the Broncos to reach out to Engram, and he also served as the tight end’s guide during his visit to Denver. During the visit, quarterback Bo Nix was also present and revealed that he had stayed in touch with Engram throughout the tight end’s free agency process.
Payton has shared his vision of how Nix will benefit from Engram’s presence, and Engram had high praise for his new quarterback.
“He has everything it takes to be great in this league,” Engram said. “The biggest thing that stood out to me was his presence in the pocket. He’s very calm, very collected. And when the pocket breaks down, the plays he can make on his feet while keeping his eyes downfield is something you need to surround with great talent because that is a weapon. That is a true weapon.”
Nix rushed for 430 yards in 2024, ranking 11th among rookie QBs, according to Stathead.
Engram praised Nix’s record-breaking collegiate career, highlighting how Nix overcame adversity, which he feels speaks volumes. He also commended Nix’s “poise” and “swagger” on the field.
Engram recalled a conversation between Nix and a trainer about details that caught his attention.
“That was music to my ears just hearing the mindset, even though I was just kind of a fly on the wall,” Engram said. “I wasn’t really part of the conversation, just observing him and his work ethic and process. When you put all those things together, there’s something special there. And of course, the rapport he has in the building – the way the coaches talk about him – that really meant a lot to me as well.”
“I’m really excited to work with Bo. He has a bright future ahead. Whatever I can do to make his job easier and help him evolve into the great player he can become is a great opportunity for me.”
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