The Denver Gazette examines each new roster addition to the Broncos through free agency with five things to know about tight end Evan Engram.

1. Highly coveted

The Giants drafted Engram with the No. 23 overall pick in 2017 after a prolific college career at Ole Miss. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end was a two-time Pro Bowler in New York and Jacksonville. In 2023, his career-best 114 receptions for the Jaguars ranked second-most by a tight end in NFL history. Engram, 30, posted at least 600 yards receiving in four of his eight NFL seasons. He’s totaled 25 receiving touchdowns over his career. That production is an immediate upgrade to Denver’s tight ends room.

2. Health history

The biggest question mark about his signing is health. Engram has played in every game of an NFL season just three times. A strong performance last year — 47 catches for 365 yards and one touchdown — got derailed by hamstring/shoulder injuries and Engram missed eight games. He is 30 years old entering Year 9 in the NFL. It’s no surprise the Broncos did not commit to a long-term contract. Engram’s two-year deal is worth $23 million with $16.5 million guaranteed. It’s a somewhat high-risk, high-reward acquisition.

3. Embracing Joker

Coach Sean Payton has often discussed Denver’s need for what he calls a “Joker”, and he’s not talking about Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic. Payton calls it as a dynamic tight end or running back who creates nightmare matchup problem for opposing defenses. Engram fits that description with his big-play ability. He’s also embraced the title. Engram posted a GIF on social media of a movie scene from the 2008 Batman movie “The Dark Knight” with Heath Ledger’s Joker hanging his head out of a police car window.

4. Spurning Harbaugh

Engram reportedly visited the Los Angeles Chargers shortly after visiting the Broncos on his free agency tour. L.A. has plenty to offer in head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert. But Engram ultimately hitched his wagon to Payton and quarterback Bo Nix. That’s an extremely positive sign for the culture building under the Walton-Penner ownership group. Engram is proof that Denver has become an attractive option for some of the top NFL free agents.

5. Athletic family

Evan isn’t the only athletic member of the Engram family growing up in Powder Springs, Ga. His younger sister, Mackenzie, was reportedly offered a basketball scholarship to Ohio State in the 8th grade. She later starred for the University of Georgia, earned second-team All-SEC honors in her senior year, and became a third-round pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. Her brother was proud. Evan Engram posted on social media: “GOD IS GOOD!! The 27th pick in the 2018 WNBA is Mackenzie Engram to the Atlanta Dream!!! MY SISTER IN THE LEAGUE!!!!”