Eagles deny they have interest in Torrey Smith

A bit earlier this week, one report suggested that the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles were discussing a deal that would send wide receiver Torrey Smith back east.

On the surface, this made a ton of sense. At 1-6 on the season, San Francisco is going nowhere fast. It also seems that Smith has fit in about as well as a square peg in a round hole with the 49ers. He’s recorded just 46 receptions in 23 games with the team.

In addition to this, there was a reported rift between Smith and then 49ers starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert earlier in the season.

Needless to say, the 49ers are looking to the future here. And paying the remainder of the five-year, $40 million deal Smith signed with San Francisco prior to last season doesn’t seem to make much sense.

For the Eagles, Smith would provide the down-field threat the team has been missing thus far on the season. No. 1 receiver Jordan Matthews is averaging a decent 14.1 yards per reception, but he’s seen more as a possession guy. Meanwhile, second-year pass catcher Nelson Agholor is averaging just a hair over 11 yards per reception.

Despite what looks to be a pretty big need for an Eagles team that’s going to be battling for first place this weekend, head coach Doug Pederson shot down the aforementioned rumors.

Denying a trade rumor in public is one thing. Actually not being involved in trade discusssions is a completely different thing. Though, it’s definitely an interesting dynamic to look at.

While Chip Kelly himself wouldn’t be involved in any trade discussions, his divorce with the Eagles ended on a sour note late last season. Would the Eagles even want to add a player that’s worked under Kelly for the past several months?

With the November 1st trade deadline looming, we promise to hear a lot more rumors about the potential of bottom-feeding teams moving veteran contracts. San Francisco most definitely won’t be void of these rumors. Whether that means Smith is moved is anyone’s guess.