As if the Eagles free agency circus needs any more acts, there’s now another major chess piece in play that could have huge implications. According to former NFL wide receiver and five time Pro-bowler, Steve Smith, another wideout who shares the same surname is set to be released. That man is Torrey Smith.
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/838859299069837312
The 28-year old was notably linked with the Eagles prior to the trade deadline, but with the asking price set to be just out of the Eagles reaching distance, Smith remained with former Eagles Head Coach, Chip Kelly.
Smith ended a disappointing 2016 with just 267 yards and 3 touchdowns after signing a huge contract and failing to live up to the hype. However, it’s easy to forget his time in Baltimore, where he never caught less than 49 passes per season and of course had an emphatic 1,128 yard year back in 2013. Smith is the perfect wide receiver for Howie’s “low-risk, high-reward” ethos and fits the “28-year old free agent” mould extremely snugly.
Smith also has ties in Philadelphia. It was Andy Weidl who scouted Smith prior to his arrival in the NFL..who of course at the time was working with Joe Douglas. The two know the talent Smith possesses and this would no doubt give the Eagles a much more complete picture when examining the possibility of signing him.
Then of course, there’s the money. If Smith does get released by San Francisco, the asking price is going to be a LOT cheaper than the likes of Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Kenny Stills. With just 267 yards and 20 receptions last year, Smith isn’t the most attractive free agent target..further cementing Howie’s low-risk mentality and giving the Eagles some much needed breathing room with a market that’s thriving on the team’s desperate need for help on the outside.
Of course, this is all speculative..but it will be interesting to keep an eye on Smith and the Eagles. He may not be the star that the team covet, nor be the reliable receiver Wentz needs..but what he does bring is a lot of experience and past excellence that could be rekindled by one of the league’s most renowned wide receiver coaches.
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