Should the Eagles be interested in trading for John Ross?

Mr 4.22, John Ross, is reportedly being added to the Bengals trade block which has caused plenty of speculation. For the Eagles, this is a very enticing situation. Ross is the perfect speedster for Pederson’s scheme and scored 7 touchdowns on just 21 receptions last year…but should they be interested?

The first question you have to ask yourself here is ‘why would the Bengals be shipping a player who they drafted 7th overall, two years ago?’ That may seem simple, but let’s be honest, if the Bengals do move on from Ross, they’re left with A.J Green and Tyler Boyd. Both receivers are only signed through 2019…meaning that surely, a name as attractive as John Ross, who has a slightly longer-term future to his name, would be a mainstay.

Secondly, what’s the market going to look like? The Eagles need a receiver to take the top off a defense, but it’s not like those wideouts traded at the deadline can provide any kind of rough guideline. The team acquired Golden Tate for a third-round pick, Amari Cooper was exchanged for a first, while Josh Gordon and Demariyus Thomas were traded for day-three picks. It’s kind of hard to imagine the Bengals being comfortable giving up Ross for anything less than a mid-round pick, when they need long-term stability at receiver and he shined so brightly when healthy.

Thirdly, health. Ross hasn’t exactly had the easiest start to his professional career and throughout his footballing life so far, he’s torn his meniscus three times, an ACL once, a Labrum (shoulder) twice, and aggravated groin injuries. Ross simply isn’t a name that Cincy have been able to hang their hat on, but the appeal of a low-risk, exceptionally high-reward will be ringing in the ears of GM’s around the league.

What’s stunning though is that the deep threat only averaged 10 yards per reception last year on what was minimal traffic. Jordan Matthews, for comparison, averaged 15. Now, was this because the Bengals used him excessively in screens and short-passing situations? Possibly. Having inconsistency at QB and a vanilla offense really didn’t help matters either, but the point remains…and that should concern the Eagles.

The Eagles have really struggled to find any kind of stability at WR2 since Doug Pederson’s arrival. Dorial Green-Beckham, Bryce Treggs, Shelton Gibson, Torrey Smith, Mack Hollins, Mike Wallace, Jordan Matthews. Those are a handful of names who have all featured in the role over the last three years but have been able to provide the consistent injection of speed that this offense is crying out for.

John Ross certainly would, but at what cost? If it’s anything above a mid-round pick, you have to weight that against what such a pick could get you in this year’s draft. The Eagles should have some level of interest, after all, they were besotted with Robby Anderson at the deadline and were even more so with Ross prior to the Draft, bringing him in for a workout and a visit…but has that ship finally sailed? Potentially. But if the price is right, who says no?

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports