It seems like the rest of the NFC East has their share of questions regarding their wide receiving corps. The defending division champion Dallas Cowboys have Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley. But both Terrance Williams and Brice Butler can become free agents this week. The New York Giants have Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard but did part ways with Victor Cruz. The Washington Redskins have Jamison Crowder and 2016 first-rounder Josh Doctson. But veterans Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson look like they’re going to hit the open market. The Philadelphia Eagles have no such problems in terms of free agency.
Their issues are of a different variety.
What’s on hand in terms of hands?
The good news is that the Philadelphia Eagles have all of their offensive players under contract for 2017. The bigger issue is getting more production from their receiving corps. Yes, Jordan Matthews finished second on the team in catches (73), receiving yards (804) and touchdown grabs (3). But youngsters such as ex-Tennessee Titans project Dorial Green-Beckham and 2015 first-round pick Nelson Agholor haven’t done much to date. The duo teamed for 72 receptions in 2016 – 36 each and one less combined than Matthews. The pair averaged just 10.9 and 10.1 yards per catch, respectively. Quarterback Carson Wentz needs some help when it comes to stretching the field.
So far, these players haven’t delivered and it hurt the Philadelphia offense this past season.
Addressing the matter
So far we have heard the Philadelphia Eagles mentioned in trade talks with the New Orleans Saints for Brandin Cooks. There has also been the discussion of the Birds and Chicago Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery. What about the whispers regarding Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt.
In any case, the Eagles need to find a reliable veteran pass-catcher who could help their young wideouts – in particular Green-Beckham and Agholor. We will soon find out who general manager Howie Roseman and the team has in mind. And that could also include another young receiver in April’s draft.
