Pundits suggest Sean Payton has not yet added his 'Joker'
When the Denver Broncos agreed to terms on a two-year deal with tight end Evan Engram last week, just about every outlet (including Broncos Wire) made the same proclamation: Sean Payton has finally found his 'Joker.'
Payton had spoken multiple times earlier this offseason about wanting to add a 'Joker' to the offense, which is a tight end or running back with elite receiving skills who can create mismatches in passing situations.
Engram, who often players more like a wide receiver than a tight end, seems to fit that description, and he even tweeted a GIF of the Joker after signing with Denver.
However, not everyone is convinced Payton has filled that position.
This is what NFL.com's Eric Edholm wrote about Engram this week: "[H]e's a short and intermediate receiver only at this stage of his career, and I don't think that quite fits the 'joker' mold Payton was describing this offseason. Maybe that player will arrive in April."
Just one writer's opinion, yes. But Edholm is not alone in his stance.
USA TODAY's Nate Davis had this to say of the tight end: "Engram is effectively a wideout, still a good chance HC Sean Payton continues to target his coveted offensive 'Joker' in the draft."
We agree with the sentiment that Denver could (and should) still draft a tight end even after signing Engram. But to suggest he's not the 'Joker' is a step beyond that. Perhaps Payton will provide some clarity on Engram's position during his next media availability.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Pundits suggest Evan Engram isn't Sean Payton's Joker
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