Jacksonville

Jaguars

Speaking with ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, Engram said his “role was underneath being the security blanket for Trevor [Lawrence]” last season, which was evident by his 5.0 ADOT — a career-low for the eighth-year tight end. Now, Engram hopes to earn more opportunities as a field stretcher, which is a role he saw as a rookie in 2017 when he ranked 11th amongst tight ends with a 9.0 ADOT (min. 50 targets) and tied for third in deep targets (15). Engram turned in the most productive year of his career last season, catching 114-of-140 passes for 963 yards — all career-highs, while finding the end zone four times. He finished the season as the TE4 in fantasy points per game (13.9), but an expanded role as a deep threat will almost certainly lead to fewer targets and receptions. The trade-off, should this come to fruition, would be more explosive plays and scores for him in 2024, but his PPR ranking could take a bit of a hit after it spent last season being fueled by short targets and receptions. Engram still profiles as a mid-TE1, but fantasy managers will want to be mindful of his impending usage when drafting him this season.

More concerningly, Shipley reports Bigsby continued to struggle with drops. Coach Doug Pederson has talked up wanting to get Bigsby more involved as a second-year pro after his disappointing rookie campaign, but he’s off to a poor start. It’s extra bad news for the Jags since they passed on meaningful reinforcements in the draft or free agency. Travis Etienne continues to profile for massive work even though Jacksonville knows he ideally would be more of a 60 percent player from a snaps perspective. Fifth-rounder Keilan Robinson is a name to file away.

Mims was released by the Steelers earlier this week and will now have a chance to compete for a spot on the Jaguars’ roster this offseason. The former second-round pick hasn’t played a regular-season snap since 2022 and is now set to join his fourth team over that span. He’ll face an uphill battle to make a Jaguars roster that returns Christian Kirk and also added Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason.

Lawrence gets $200 million in guaranteed money with this deal, with $142 million guaranteed at signing. His $55 million AAV ties Joe Burrow for the highest of any player in the league. It’s a steep but not surprising price to pay for Lawrence, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Jaguars in 2021. Lawrence has thrown for 11,770 yards, 58 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions in 50 career games and has led his team to a 17-16 record in two years under current head coach Doug Pederson. Lawrence will play under the terms of his rookie deal in 2024 and under a fifth-year option in 2025, meaning the base salary for his new deal won’t kick in until 2026.

The Jaguars released interior offensive lineman Jack Anderson in a corresponding move. Trammell earned just 10 targets through three NFL seasons, largely operating as a special teams contributor. His 0.6 missed tackles forced per punt return rank seventh among 26 NFL players with at least 25 total returns.

Anderson was waived by the Colts earlier in the week and now lands with the Jaguars. The former 2021 seventh-round pick is now on his fourth different team since entering the league and will likely have a chance to compete for a spot on the Jaguars’ 53-man roster. Anderson has seen regular season reps at tackle, center, and guard, but has played in just 15 games through his first three years.

The Jaguars selected Thomas with the No. 23 overall pick in this year’s draft after he went for 68-1,177-17 last year at LSU. The 6-foot-3 speedster blazed a 4.33 40-yard dash at this year’s combine and is expected to come in and immediately contribute as a field stretcher for Trevor Lawrence, who attempted the third-most deep passes (75) last season. Thomas and free agent signee Gabe Davis could both play similar roles in 2024, while Christian Kirk continues to operate from the slot. With that said, Thomas possesses elite deep speed compared to Davis and could turn into the preferred option on go routes and plays downfield. He makes for a great later round stash who should offer plenty of splash weeks as a rookie.

White took to his Instagram on Sunday to announce the news. The rookie out of Western Carolina University, who totaled 819 yards and two receptions in his two seasons with the Catamounts, is expected to be placed on injured reserve and could have a chance to compete for a roster spot next season.

According to DiRocco, ESPN obtained court documents stating that McManus allegedly assaulted two women during the Jaguars’ flight to London last season. In the lawsuit filed on Friday in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, the women, who are identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, allege that McManus rubbed himself against them and was grinding against them. It also accuses the Jaguars of failing to supervise McManus and create a safe environment for the airplane staff. There is no comment from McManus at this time, and the Jaguars have reportedly declined to comment through a spokesman, according to DiRocco. The victims are reportedly seeking more than $1 million and are demanding a jury trial. McManus signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Commanders earlier this offseason after going 30-for-37 on field goal attempts. We’ll likely know more about this situation in the coming days and will provide any additional updates as they come. Shortly after news of the lawsuit broke, the Commanders released a statement saying, “Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”

Edmunds was traded from the Eagles to the Titans last season and totaled 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception while splitting time with the two teams. The former first-round pick was let go by the Steelers after his rookie contract expired at the end of the 2022 season and is now set to play for his third team in two years. He’ll have a chance to provide added depth to the Jaguars’ secondary but is unlikely to be viewed as a starter at this point. In addition to Edmunds, they also signed cornerback Tre Flowers and linebacker Ty Summers.