At the start of training camp, several media reports stated that the New York Giants and Evan Engram have not begun contract negotiations on a new deal. Neither side seemed to be in a rush to come to an agreement. So, it is safe to say that Engram controls his own fate to remain with the Giants after this season.
Consistency Has Been Giants Tight End Evan Engram’s Biggest Problem
Engram’s career with the G-Men has been good, but not great. It can be best defined as a constant struggle to stay healthy and dropped passes in key moments of close games. Consistency has always been his problem since he entered the NFL.
Still, Engram is a key component to the passing game. Not too many NFL franchises have an athletic tight end like the Mississippi product. Engram caught 63 passes for 654 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games last season.
However, a calf injury has kept him sidelined for the start of the 2021 season. Kyle Rudolph replaced Engram in the lineup, but his production (four receptions for 33 yards) was nowhere close to what is expected from the tight end position. The Giants passing game is effective when receiving targets get yards after the catch (YAC). Engram’s athleticism can take a short pass and turn it into a long touchdown run.
Engram’s 2021 Season Debut Was Disastrous
But you could not make that argument in Week 3. Engram made his season debut and was ineffective in another disappointing loss by the Giants. He caught two passes and fumbled one of those away. Engram failed to become a playmaker when the ball was in his hands.
The struggling Giants offense had enough problems on their own. The unit did not need another lackluster performance from one of their expected playmakers. It was another missed opportunity by Engram to show his worth to Giants management.
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The Path to a Payday
The key for him is to get healthy and become more consistent with his production. If you’re expecting a big payday, then you cannot disappear in big games. Engram’s talent level cannot be in question any longer. He must come up with the big catch when the Giants need him the most.
But first, Engram must gain the trust of the Giants coaching staff to put the football in his hands. What frustrates the organization is his athleticism should create defensive coverage mismatches each week. Unfortunately, no one can predict if that expected outcome will take place on Sundays.
The Giants have thrown all the verbal boutiques in trying to convince us they still believe in Engram as a playmaker. Now, it is time for him to execute on the football field.
What Lies Ahead for Engram?
Who knows what 2022 and beyond holds for Engram?
If he can rebound and have a productive 2021 season, then the Giants cannot afford a missed opportunity of re-signing him. But the franchise’s current salary cap situation for next season might preclude them from paying Engram unless his expected price comes down.
However, if he remains inconsistent, then Engram becomes another team’s problem in 2022.
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