With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Eagles will have to decide if they are buyers or sellers. While they are an abysmal 1-4-1. Somehow, they are a mere half-game away from first place in the NFC East. The team has certainly not performed up to expectations but in recent weeks, they’ve shown signs of life.
Now, I’m not one for moral victories but the Eagles look like they’re on the cusp of turning things around. At least that can be said about their offense.
Back-to-back impressive performances against stout defenses have given fans hope again in Philadelphia. Tallying 57 total points in two weeks against the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Eagles look only a couple of pieces away (whether additions or health) from actual victories instead of moral wins.
Many positions still present issues though. From the depleted offensive line to the decimated tight end group, from the banged-up wide receivers to the sudden need at running back.
With all of the team’s needs, whether they stem from injury or poor roster construction, there is not one trade that will fix this team. That can sound intimidating at first. It is, however, important to remain future-focused. Roseman must consider options for the best combination of quality and quantity to fills the holes on this roster.
With that said, there is a wide receiver who would likely welcome a trade; one that brings some speed to boot. No, not John Ross. I’m talking about:
Dede Westbrook
Yes, there are other (more critical) needs on this team. Yes, there are many receivers already on the roster. Just because the Eagles have receivers doesn’t mean they’re enough though.
Dede Westbrook, at one point, looked primed to be a major weapon for the Jaguars. The versatility of his game is impressive. He can work both inside and outside of the field while providing a boost to the run game as well.
A gadget-type receiver, Westbrook looked like a Jacksonville version of Curtis or Deebo Samuel. It hasn’t worked out as well as he would have hoped.
Westbrook has dealt with a few injuries in his time which has slowed his development in Jacksonville. Now he finds himself on the outside looking in as the team has added, not only more young talent at wide receiver but a player who excels in the exact same areas as Westbrook.
Laviska Shenault has essentially made Westbrook redundant and essentially closed the door on a return to the starting lineup.
Things have gotten so bad for Westbrook that a change of scenery would certainly be welcome. He has been a healthy scratch thrice, only played 16 snaps, and has only one target this entire season.
It’s not unheard of that the Eagles would (or should) be interested in a Jaguars receiver. Keelan Cole has drawn a lot of attention for quite some time as an underutilized receiver for the Jags.
This year, Cole and Westbrook have effectively swapped that “honor”. Cole has already topped his yardage from last season and is on pace for almost 1000 yards.
While Cole is no longer a likely target, Westbrook will do just fine. If the Eagles were to pull the trigger and bring in Westbrook, he could slide all over the field helping out the offense. His hands are fairly sure as well which is a trait the Eagles should always be shopping for.
Westbrook caught 65% of passes thrown his way during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. While much of that work came from the slot, he did provide over ten yards per reception. Westbrook would provide Wentz a quick pass option while he is missing multiple tight ends and offensive linemen.
Dede Westbrook would provide the Eagles, and more importantly, Carson Wentz with some relief. He would help move the chains building confidence allowing Carson to breathe and hopefully providing more scoring opportunities.
The Eagles could likely have Westbrook for next to nothing similar to their deals for DeSean Jackson and Marquise Goodwin. The only acceptable reasons for not getting this done would be getting out-bid or if Jacksonville’s demands are ridiculous.
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
