The Eagles have a wide receiver problem. Well, they have several. After DeSean Jackson ripped his previously torn abdominal muscle from the bone against the Chicago Bears, the veteran had to undergo surgery that would sideline him for around 6 weeks. Jackson had not played a single snap after his 154-yard breakout in week 1 until that moment, and now the pressure is mounting on a group that has been massively underwhelming.
Alshon Jeffery has 353 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year, while Nelson Agholor has 282 yards and a further three scores. The issue is that both players look like shadows of their former selves. Agholor has struggled all year in tracking the ball and fighting through contact, and Jeffery has just looked…off?
Then, there are the role players. The wideouts who would be relied on to step up in this instance. Mack Hollins has registered one reception in 6 weeks despite playing in a whopping 58% of offensive snaps this season. Aside from getting flagged and looking confused, he really hasn’t done that much.
And to top things off, there’s second-round pick JJ Arcega-Whiteside.
The Eagles now have seven games left to keep their playoff hopes alive and will do so with significant question marks over a group that prior to week 1 was expected to be one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
So, what should they do? The trade deadline has passed and there are only so many free agents available? Do they fill the need for speed, or the need for a genuinely competent receiver to lift the offense?
Here’s a comprehensive list of the options available to Howie Roseman and company as the Bye week unfolds.
In house
J.J Arcega-Whiteside
Option 1: Get the kid on the field. Whether he’s cross-training three positions or not, the Eagles could use help at all three and it’s scary to ponder why he can’t get on the field at this stage when the need for production is so great.
JJAW averaged 16.8 yards per reception on 63 catches last year, notching 1,059 yards and hauling in 14 touchdowns
Whether it’s inside the red-zone, taking some weight of Alshon Jeffery’s shoulders, or filling the ‘big-slot’ mold they appeared to be targeting pre-draft, there’s no excuse to not put a second-round selection on the field. Especially when Mack Hollins is so wasteful.
Greg Ward Jr.
Lurking on the practice squad, chomping at the bit for an opportunity is WR Greg Ward Jr. r. Over three preseasons with the Eagles, Ward has caught 19 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown proving himself at 5’11, 190 lbs, to play physically, snatching balls out of the air with an impressive catch radius and developing as a route runner.
Ward will know the offense like the back of his hand by now and at Age-23, the upside is still extremely high. At this rate, he’s almost bound to bring more production to the table than Mack Hollins.
Free Agents the Eagles should absolutely consider
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