The Jaguars need to do whatever it takes to keep tight end Evan Engram. Put the franchise tag on him or, better yet, sign him to a long-term contract.
Over pay him it that’s what it takes. The importance of the tight end has been increasing for 20 years but the Jaguars’ search for a good one has been a journey of misery. By my count, the franchise has has 33 TEs in its 27-year history and you can count the good ones on one hand.
Mercedes Lewis would top most lists as the Jaguars best TE, but not mine. Lewis obviously does some things well — hell, he’s still around after 17 years — but he has hands of stone and the quickness of an overweight sportscaster. He had one good year out of 12 wearing teal when he made the Pro Bowl in 2010. Otherwise, he was average, at best.
I rate Kyle Brady (’09-’06) as the best. Pete Mitchell (’95-’98) deserves a mention although he was a hybrid, as much a wide receiver as a TE. Both had better years than Lewis’ best when it comes to catches and yards.
So did Engram.