Evan Engram could become an Arizona Cardinals trade target

A need for an upgrade at the tight end position could lead the Arizona Cardinals to the fourth-year professional

This coming November 3rd could turn into a very intriguing date for the Arizona Cardinals. No, it’s not the 2020 presidential election that could have an effect on head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s squad. It just so happens that the Cards, and the rest of the league for that matter, could have that day circled on the calendar for an entirely different reason.

As it turns out, that first Tuesday in November will serve as the trade deadline for the NFL. Arizona, a franchise that is seeking it’s first postseason berth in five years, could look to shore up a position that’s been nonexistent in their offense for quite some time. Could adding a tight end become a priority for the Cardinals front office?

One player who could be targeted by Cards general manager Steve Keim is Evan Engram, a 26-year old from the New York Giants. There’s talk that a 1-6 start by the club from the “Big Apple” could result in an all-out fire sale by their GM, Dave Gettleman, Arizona already worked out a deal this past week with the Giants for edge rusher Markus Golden, and there are rumors that Engram could also be dealt for the right price.

Back in 2017, the 26-year old pass-catcher was the 23rd-overall selection of that year’s draft. Engram had an outstanding rookie campaign, hauling in 64 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns. At the conclusion of the season, the University of Mississippi product was voted to the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team.

Unfortunately, Engram’s next two seasons were cut short by injury. In 2018, the 6’3, 240 pounder missed five matchups because of an MCL sprain and a foot ailment. Last fall, additional problems with his foot forced Engram to be sidelined for eight more contests.

When healthy, Engram has managed to put up some impressive numbers. In 41 career appearances (31 starts), the Georgia native has tallied 179 receptions for 1,989 yards and 12 scores. Engram has been far from impressive this year, however, totaling just 26 catches for 223 yards and zero touchdowns in seven games for New York.

Despite his slow start this season, Engram would still be an intriguing addition to the Arizona roster. The organization has gotten very little out of Dan Arnold, the tight end that quite a few experts believed would be a solid contributor for Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” scoring attack. The Cardinals lost another veteran at the spot, Maxx Williams, to a season-ending ankle injury last month.

It’s been years since the Cards had a legitimate threat at tight end. One thing that’s been missing from the offense is a middle of the field security blanket for quarterback Kyler Murray. Engram has the tools to be that and a whole lot more if Arizona’s decision-makers want to make the Giants an offer that they can’t refuse.