Evan Engram

Gladstone said Brown, who last month signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Jacksonville, will be a solid complement to alpha WR Brian Thomas in the Jaguars offense. "Somebody else that can go down the field so [Thomas] is not always having to be that guy on the top shelf," Gladstone said when asked about acquiring Brown, who had his most productive stretch as a pro last December and January for the Commanders. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen described Brown as "somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels." Brown, entering his age-26 season, should be the team's No. 2 target behind Thomas now that Evan Engram is in Denver.

"I'm excited," Payton added. This was always the belief behind the signing, as The Athletic's Nick Kosmider forecasted the role on Engram. But it's good to see it affirmed by the man who created the terminology. Payton continued: "The vision is pretty clear. Obviously we feel like he's someone who can run, gives us a passing threat on third down and in the red zone. He's got good body control and I think he's really good when he gets the ball in his hands. His run-after-catch numbers, statistically-wise, have been good." As Denver's "joker" -- in football, anyway -- Engram projects to be a high-volume target and should make for a low-end TE1 for fantasy purposes.

Payton said he's wanted a versatile pass catcher in the Denver offense, and the Broncos lavished a $23 million deal on Engram ostensibly for that role. "I use that term for when you have one of those guys who are matchup challenges inside," Payton said at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. "It really helps you (on) third down and (in the) red zone. There are ways defensively you can handle the outside receivers and force the ball inside. That is something we will look closely at." Engram could step in as Denver's No. 2 pass catcher behind Courtland Sutton in 2025. Engram in 2024 saw a target on 27 percent of his pass routes, fourth best among tight ends.

Payton said he's wanted a versatile pass catcher in the Denver offense, and signed Engram to take on that role. "I use that term for when you have one of those guys who are matchup challenges inside," Payton said at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. "It really helps you (on) third down and (in the) red zone. There are ways defensively you can handle the outside receivers and force the ball inside. That is something we will look closely at." Engram, who signed with the Broncos on a two year deal worth $23 million, has been one of the league's most productive tight ends over the past two seasons and could step in as Denver's No. 2 pass catcher behind Courtland Sutton in 2025. Engram in 2024 saw a target on 27 percent of his pass routes, fourth best among tight ends.

The Broncos may not be done adding tight ends after signing Evan Engram in free agency.