The Eagles need some help at wide receiver.
While the idea of DeSean Jackson returning remains enticing, the reality is that the receiver has not played a meaningful snap since Week 1, and it appears he won't be playing this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills either.
Jackson's absence has left the Eagles having to depend more on Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor than they expected to, and having to give way more playing time to Mack Hollins than they wanted to. Rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has struggled to find his way onto the field, a not especially encouraging sign.
The struggles the team has had passing the ball has basically killed the offense, as they are averaging just 15.6 points-per-game over the last three weeks. While part of the blame for the struggles falls on quarterback Carson Wentz, who has had accuracy issues, there is no denying the team could use some help at receiver.
Finding that help might not be easy or cheap. On Tuesday morning the New England Patriots pulled off a trade for receiver Mohamed Sanu, sending a second-round pick back to the Atlanta Falcons. The trade not only takes a receiver off the market, but could impact what the Eagles might have to pay another team if they decided to make a move for receiver.
Here are a look at four options, two of which they would have to trade for, and the other two are free agents:
Emmanual Sanders, Broncos: The Eagles have been linked to Sanders since last year and it is easy to see why. Sanders, a 10-year veteran, is a versatile player that could move all around for the Eagles. Although he averages just 13.1 yards-per-catch in his career, he has shown the ability to get deep and behind defenses. He has also been pretty healthy throughout his career, and despite tearing his ACL last season, he ended up missing only four games and started in Week 1 this year. There is going to be competition for Sanders, which might drive up the price for a deal, but his versatility and proven production over a long period of time could lead Howie Roseman to pay up to land him.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins: Like Sanders, the Eagles have been linked to Parker in the past. Parker is actually having a semi-decent season for the Dolphins, averaging 15.8 yards-per-catch, which is impressive by itself, but even more impressive when you consider the quarterbacks he has played with. Parker has good size at 6-foot-3, but is also pretty quick and could be a deep threat if needed. Parker would cost the Eagles around $1.7 million this season and is under contract for $4.4 million in 2020, a good bargain for a player with a ceiling as high as Parker's.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers season has not gone as planned as they sit at 2-5 through seven games. Considered a potential Super Bowl contender before the season, it is possible they decide to sell at the deadline, and if they do the Eagles should call them about Allen. Just 27-years old, Allen is one of the best route runners in the league and has the speed to get deep when needed. He would count around $5 million against the cap this season and $10 million next season, but could be cut this offseason if needed with minimal cap damage. The price to land Allen will not be cheap, but he would offer an immediate, no-doubt impact the passing offense desperately needs.
Mike Wallace, free agent: Wallace's time with the Eagles never really got a chance, as he suffered what turned into a season-ending injury in Week 2. He hasn't returned to the NFL since, which isn't an especially great sign, but he does make some sense for the Eagles considering he has spent an entire season in their building and an entire offseason practicing with quarterback Carson Wentz. Wallace is 33-years old, so this wouldn't be a long-term fit, but for the remainder of this season he could be a nice insurance policy for Jackson.
Marken Michel, free agent: This one isn't going to excite Eagles fans, but they should recognize the name, as the receiver pulled in a 75-yard touchdown in the preseason from quarterback Nate Sudfeld. Michel had an impressive showing overall with the Eagles during the offseason, but they haven't shown much interest in him since they released him at the end of training camp. This one feels unlikely, but his history with the team and speed he would bring might make the team consider a reunion.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
