NY Giants’ Evan Engram still has high trade value, NFL GMs, execs say
NFL executives and general managers still believe NY Giants TE Evan Engram will be a popular name ahead of the trade deadline
If the NY Giants are looking to deal tight end Evan Engram at the trade deadline, general manager Dave Gettleman would likely find a robust market, according to NFL general managers and executives.
Despite a disappointing performance against the Eagles where Engram dropped a crucial deep pass from Daniel Jones that forced a Giants punt and ultimately allowed Philadelphia to drive down the field for the game-winning touchdown, and earlier had a ball bounce off his hands for an interception, teams still believe Engram has plenty of upside.
“He’s definitely someone teams would have significant interest in,” an NFC personnel executive tells GMenHQ on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about players on other teams.
However, as is typically the case, teams aren’t going to pay a premium. One current general manager says Engram’s value is probably a day-three pick.
It remains to be seen if Gettleman winds up buying or selling ahead of the Nov. 3 trade deadline with the NY Giants sitting at 1-6 but within striking distance in what has become a historically pathetic NFC East race.
But, if the Giants’ don’t see the upside in possibly sneaking into the playoffs and sacrificing draft positioning to possibly add a blue chip talent with a pick as high as the top five, Engram is one of the few players teams will likely be interested in.
“Teams always look at the full body of work,” the GM told GMenHQ, on the condition of anonymity as he is not permitted to speak about players on other teams. “One drop or big play won’t make or break Evan’s trade value.”
The executive echoed the GM’s sentiment, suggesting teams still view Engram as “a mismatch in the passing game,” and will likely be “drawn to his overall physical abilities.”
It has been a disappointing season for Engram, who has caught just 26 passes for 223 yards while averaging only 8.6 yards per reception.
But, as the general manager points out, teams study far more than box scores when considering a possible trade.
“He can still run and is very athletic,” the GM said. “The question for buying teams becomes whether the team thinks they can develop his traits. Teams have to ask themselves if he’s a scheme fit, and if they have a need that they are willing to give up for a non-value position over the final eight games of the season.”
If the Giants are sellers, it comes down to accumulating assets to continue building around Jones. An Engram trade has the chance to bring back a pick that can be used as a trade chip to move up next April. Meanwhile, a deal would offer a change of scenery for Engram that might just be beneficial for both sides at this stage.
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Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.