Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office haven’t made too many big moves to this point in the offseason. That isn’t for a lack of trying, however. Days after it was reported that the team inquired about Russell Wilson, it seems the front office has been caught with their hands in another cookie jar. Calvin Ridley was the target, but things went south quick.
With the Eagles making a push for Ridley, it’s clear the team is looking for another top veteran wide receiver to pair with DeVonta Smith. Historically, if Roseman misses on one option in free agency, he looks for the next best option. And in this free agent/trade class, there are a lot of options at WR. Here are the five names to keep an eye on as we get closer to free agency.
Allen Robinson
Arguably the clear cut favorite to be an Eagle after they missed on Ridley, Robinson is obviously an excellent fit for the Eagles. The team needs another top wideout to give more room for Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith to work.
Robinson had a very quiet year last year playing in only 11 games, catching 38 passes for 400 yards and one touchdown. The production clearly had issues in regards to the sheer amount of QB’s the Bears had used last season and could ultimately hurt his overall contract that’s given to him.
But make no mistake, this is still a top WR in the league that with a good scheme, could make the Eagles offense go much farther than Eagle fans expect.
There’s almost too much evidence to show WHY Philly would be wanting to make a move on the Bears top wideout including prior experience. The success the team had with Alshon Jeffrey is almost too good to replicate this offseason.
DK Metcalf/Tyler Lockett
The Eagles trying to trade for Calvin Ridley tells me Howie is not afraid to give up a first round pick for a receiver this year. With Seattle on the beginning of a rebuild, it’s clear their best players can be had for the right price.
Whether you prefer Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf, either would be an excellent fit for the Eagles offense. Metcalf had a down year in terms of production but still managed to catch 12 touchdowns. As he enters only his fourth season in the league, a move for the Ole Miss standout will probably cost at minimum a first rounder.
Lockett on the other hand could potentially cost cheaper as he enters 30, but still has plenty left in the tank. With Wilson missing some games, Lockett still managed to have over 70 catches for 1,000 yards.
The Eagles could absolutely be interested in any of the guys and still be able to have a strong draft capital going into April. And just because they missed on Ridley, doesn’t mean they’ll miss on others.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu is a name that the Eagles have been tied to that many fans just don’t want to bother with. But hear me out, JuJu could be exactly what this team needs.
JuJu obviously comes with his injury concerns, but that means he’ll be cheaper than other free agent targets, and the risk would be a lot less than breaking the bank for top guys. JuJu is a sure handed receiver that has experience against physical defenses and understands the requirements of being a number one and two option.
JuJu is clearly a #2 wideout but that’s exactly what the Eagles need.
Andy Isabella
A second round pick that hasn’t really had the opportunity to do much in Arizona, Isabella was given permission to seek out a trade. Will he cost a lot? Absolutely not.
This is a receiver that has not lived up to the expectations given to him when he came out of UMASS, but there is certainly an open spot for him in Philly with the team needing more reliable weapons on the outside.
Just because Arizona didn’t have a spot available for him, does not mean he could be worth a mid-round pickup. This would be another low-risk, high-reward move that could help the team out big time.
Amari Cooper
One final name and he carries the biggest risk. The Cowboys are looking for a trade partner for their #1 wideout mainly because he costs too much and they don’t want to get rid of Zeke.
Cooper clearly has all the ability in the world and can certainly dominate when he wants to. The issue is when he wants to. He’s been a no-show in a lot of big games for the Cowboys, and does have concentration issues at times.
The history of ex-Cowboys going to Philly is a long list of failures, but Cooper is still in his prime and can help the team out. It depends if the team is comfortable enough to swing for the fences here though. He also probably won’t carry as high a cost either with Dallas saying they’ll probably cut him if they can’t find a trade partner.
The list above has a lot of big names and full of risks. Every player has their own sort of baggage that could deter the Eagles from making a move, but if they stay as aggressive as they did with Calvin Ridley, there’s no reason to think they won’t be on the doorstep of another big name WR soon.
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
