What’s Up at WR?

Posted: March 25th, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 1 Comment »

The Eagles didn’t go after free agent Amari Cooper. They didn’t trade for DeAndre Hopkins or Stefon Diggs. That made sense, as long as the team was targeting a mid-level free agent.

The receiver market was slow the first week, but that changed on Tuesday. Receivers started signing left and right.

Breshad Perriman went to the Jets on a cheap deal.

Robby Anderson, formerly of the Jets, went to Carolina on a mid-level deal.

Devin Funchess went to the Packers.

Phillip Dorsett signed with Seattle.

Travis Benjamin went to the Niners.

Laquon Treadwell signed with Atlanta.

All those mediocre receivers and the Eagles didn’t sign any of them. Or even try to, from what we’ve heard.

I’ll have to admit, I’m surprised. I knew the Eagles would focus on the draft, but I did figure they would sign a veteran to help offset the loss of Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor.

The offseason has barely started so there is still plenty of time for the team to add a veteran. And there are still some players on the market who could be of interest.

Demarcus Robinson
Tajae Sharpe
Rashard Higgins
Geronimo Allison
Demaryius Thomas

Those are some names that could make sense. The Eagles are obviously being picky. I don’t mean that as an insult. Teams are wise to be picky when it comes to free agency. Don’t just sign names. Find players that fit you, on and off the field.

At the same time, it is fair to question just how picky the Eagles should be.

DeSean Jackson
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Greg Ward

When healthy, Jackson is still a difference-maker. JJAW is a mystery at this point. Ward looked good down the stretch, but he’s still a #3 or #4 receiver. Adding a couple of talented rookies will help in a big way, but is that enough for 2020. Can you count on all the young receivers producing?

The Eagles could be looking at this a couple of ways.

First, they could have their eye on someone. This could be someone still on the market or possibly a player that they are hoping to trade for. Forget about big names, though. I think those deals are done. Why the delay? The Eagles could be trying to drive the price down.

There is also the possibility the Eagles don’t like the WR market at all. If so, don’t make a move now. Wait. See what happens after the draft. We know some veterans will be cut or put on the trade block.

There is risk no matter what the Eagles do. We all liked the thought of Perriman, but he was coming off his third team in four years. And beware the player who has a career year in a contract year. History is filled with guys who did that and then struggled after getting a deal. I know Perriman signed pretty cheap, but it is possible the Eagles just didn’t like him. It wasn’t as if the other 31 teams were throwing money at the guy.

The best organizations are the ones who have the discipline to be patient. Ravens. Patriots. They are not afraid to sit back and watch the market. They acknowledge the possibility that they might not find the guy they want. They may have to rely on who they already have or roll the dice on a player with issues, but they would rather take those risks than sign players they don’t like.

I’m certainly not thrilled with the current WR situation, but I can live with it if Howie has a plan. If he’s just sitting back and hoping the draft fixes things. that would scare the heck out of me.

We don’t know Howie’s plan, but this might be by design.

Does that mean Howie has something up his sleeve?

Stay tuned.

*****

The end of an era.

*****

Could the Eagles still be looking at CB?

Interesting.

We’ll see if they really liked Harris or if they are still looking for help.

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One Comment on “What’s Up at WR?”

  1. 1 What's Up at WR? | SportSpyder | said at 12:57 AM on March 25th, 2020:

    […] What’s Up at WR? […]