The Veterans

As we talk about fixing the Eagles receiver situation, we have to balance the need for long term answers with the need to have an effective set of receivers for 2020.

Right now the outside receivers would be DeSean Jackson and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, with Greg Ward in the slot. Clearly that will change.

As we talk about veteran options, we need to be specific about what the Eagles are looking for. Jackson is good on one side. I’m okay with penciling in Ward in the slot for now, but you need someone there pushing him.

The obvious hole is the other outside receiver spot. JJAW isn’t someone you want starting right now. The Eagles need someone with some size to play there. You wouldn’t want three small receivers on the field in your base offense. You don’t need Plaxico Burress, but you ideally want someone at least 6-1, 205.

When you look at the free agent options, they are not compelling. This isn’t the best year to need a veteran receiver.

Amari Cooper – The top target and it isn’t close. Dallas will be using the franchise tag on Dak Prescott so that means they have to strike a deal with Cooper in the next 10 days or he will hit the open market. He is a terrific route-runner and has amazing body control. Cooper has caught at least 72 passes in four of his five seasons. Cooper is a guy you feed the ball to. He will command big money. He will turn 26 this summer. I don’t think it is likely the Eagles will make a hard push for him due to the cost.

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Robby Anderson – Tall, slender receiver with excellent speed. Averages 14.8 yards per catch for his career. He’s not a volume receiver so he would fit the Eagles philosophy of spreading the ball around. Due to the lack of good options, it feels likely that he will get overpaid. With the return of DeSean, I’m not sure Anderson is an ideal fit. He doesn’t seem like someone the Eagles will pursue aggressively.

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After the top two receivers, the rest of the options all have issues.

Breshad Perriman – Michael Kist wrote an excellent piece on Perriman for BGN. Perriman is an underachiever since being a first round pick in 2015, but he has an excellent combination of size and speed. He will turn 27 in the fall and is coming off the best season of his career (still nothing to write home about). Perriman will not command a high price. There is risk involved with signing him, but he could be a good gamble. He can be part of a good WR corps. If he can build on last year, Perriman could be a solid addition for several years.

Devin Funchess – A big, talented and highly inconsistent receiver. Only played one game last year due to a broken collarbone. Still in the prime of his career and has the size and skill set the Eagles could use in an outside receiver, but a definite risk.

Rashard Higgins – Interesting young player. Has only started six games in his career, but things looked to be heading in the right direction after a good 2018 campaign. Higgins got hurt early in 2019 and then had a falling out with coach Freddie Kitchens. Higgins finished the year with just four catches. The price would be right and there is a lot of upside, but he’s never been a regular starter.

Demarcus Robinson – Started 10 games in 2019 and caught…32 passes. That is the best season of his young career. Would be an interesting fit in Philly because he is ascending and played in the Chiefs offense (similar). You just wonder how good Robinson can be. Players like Perriman, Funchess and Higgins have their issues, but you feel like there is plenty of upside. Hard to say if that’s the case with Robinson.

Tajae Sharpe – 25-year old receiver who has started 29 games over the past three years. He’s shown good potential. Would be good addition as part of a WR corps. I’m not sure about him as a starter. Might not have the bulk the Eagles want. Lists at 6-2, 195. Could play outside or in the slot.

Randall Cobb – An older receiver who is at his best in the slot. Had an bounce-back season in 2019. I don’t think the Eagles will be interested because of his age and primarily being a slot receiver.

Paul Richardson – Soon to be 28-year old receiver who has struggled to be more than a role player in his NFL career. Speedy player who only goes 180 pounds. Not a good fit.

Phillip Dorsett – Former first round pick has been a solid role player. Only 5-10, 192, but speed is his game. With DeSean on the other side, doesn’t seem like Dorsett would be a good fit.

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Age Concerns

• Emmanuel Sanders
• Ted Ginn
• Demaryius Thomas
• Travis Benjamin
• Dontrelle Inman

All of these players are 30 or older. I don’t see the Eagles going for an older player.

Thomas is the one player I find somewhat interesting. He’s been a durable, productive receiver over the years, but is now 32 and coming off his worst season. If the Eagles wanted a veteran with size and skill, he could be a one-year fit. You would only have interest in Thomas if you thought he could also help JJAW and whatever rookies will be on the roster. I have no idea if Thomas is seen as a good mentor. If he isn’t, he wouldn’t make much sense. The Eagles want to get younger and faster. He’s neither.

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There could be other players becoming available.

Sammy Watkins might get cut by the Chiefs. He is a young, talented player with good experience. He could be of real interest if the price was right.

Stefon Diggs might be available in a trade. I love the player, but would have concern in trading a high pick to get him.

One of Howie Roseman’s strengths is finding options. He is a creative GM who will talk to the other 31 teams to see what’s going on around the league. I don’t see a lot of trade possibilities right now, but we do get surprise moves every March.

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As you can see, the Eagles do not have great options in terms of veteran receivers. They will add someone to help with 2020, but the real key is drafting well to give Carson Wentz players to grow with over the next few years.

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