It’s well known by now that the New York Giants are dealing with salary cap trouble. The cap wasn’t managed well under Gettleman, with the Giants spending a lot of money without much return. As a result, it’s clear that new general manager Joe Schoen can’t afford to pay everyone and some decisions will have to be made soon.
One of those decisions that’s drawing the most attention is the one around Evan Engram. The tight end has been many things for the Giants, since they acquired him. He’s been a promising prospect, an injury prone player that couldn’t stay on the field, and at other times a disappointment who drops the ball in key moments.
The new management of the Giants will have to examine Engram’s past and decide whether it’s worth keeping him around for the future, at a high price given the current cap situation.
According to Pro Football Focus, Engram is the best Giants player set to enter free agency. When placed on a league-wide list, Engram came in at number 73.
73. TE Evan Engram, New York Giants
The Giants reportedly rebuffed several requests from other teams to trade for 2017 first-round tight end Evan Engram ahead of each of the past two trade deadlines, but it remains to be seen if he is truly in their long-term plans. Engram’s 4.4 speed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds is enough to keep teams monitoring his situation, even as his overall and receiving grades have declined in each of the past four seasons. An anemic Giants offense that ranks 30th in expected points added per pass play since 2020 certainly didn’t help his cause.
Headed into free agency, Engram will certainly be a controversial player in the court of public opinion.
On one side, some will point out the flashes of potential he’s shown and claim the Giants won’t get a better receiving tight end elsewhere. Others will point to the moments when Engram slipped up in big moments and cost his team.
There’s no sign yet which side of the fence Joe Schoen falls on in this argument. But with Engram likely being the highest profile free agent for the Giants right now, it’s quite possible they could be priced out on him regardless of what the new front office wants to do.