Training Camp is finally here but there’s no rest for the wicked. According to a statement from his agent, Kamar Aiken has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s all you need to know:
The contract itself:
According to a source, the deal is a one-year, minimum contract.In other words, it’s another ‘prove-it’ contract for the Eagles, who are battling future cap calamities and balancing that with finding immediate production and value. Players such as Patrick Robinson and LeGarrette Blount thrived last season due to the structure of their deal and there’s no reason why Aiken can’t rekindle a fire, which brings me on to my second point.
The player:
The 6’2, 213 lbs, wideout signs with the Eagles at age-29 and as a player who is looking to prove to one man in particular that he can be the same player he once was. That man is Joe Douglas, the current head of Eagles scouting who was working with the Ravens during Aiken’s best moments. In 2015, Aiken amassed a stunning 75 receptions for 944 yards and 5 scores. However in the two years since, he’s managed a mere 461 yards and one touchdown. Last season, Aiken signed with the Colts and caught 15 passes for just 133 yards.
If there is anybody who knows the ceiling Aiken may still have, it’s Joe Douglas. Aiken will also be working with former teammate, Mike Wallace, who also signed with the Eagles this offseason. The Baltimore to Philadelphia link only seems to be growing as time goes on and it will be interesting to see if Aiken can make an impact this Summer.
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The expectation:
The pecking order has already been established, or so it seems. Alshon Jeffery, Mike Wallace and Nelson Agholor remain the top dogs in the Eagles receiving corps, but with Jeffery missing Camp due to a shoulder injury, it throws open the doors for some elevates reps with the starters and backups that could benefit a player who has been hampered by injury during the last two years. There’s no reason why Aiken can’t compete for a depth role or even throw his hat in the mix for something a little more prominent and he has the perfect opportunity to return to the field fully healthy and do just that. There’s no such thing as bad competition and Aiken will drive the other wideouts around him (names like Shelton Gibson etc) to push even harder.
Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
