Jan 13, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) reacts after an interception by the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery just has not lived up to expectations in his three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jeffery, 30, is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he recorded a mere 43 receptions for 490 yards in 10 games. He also suffered a Lisfranc injury that cost the receiver the final four games of the campaign. There could now be some news on the Jeffery front.
As Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes, it’s going to be nearly impossible for the Eagles to trade Jeffery.
He signed a four-year, $52 million extension back in 2017 and is set to count $15.39 million against the cap. Any team trading for Jeffery would also be risking him remaining sidelined following Lisfranc foot surgery.
If Philadelphia were to release Jeffery, the team would take on a $26.1 million dead cap hit. Hence, why it is looking to trade him.
Veteran DeSean Jackson is slated to be Philadelphia’s No. 1 receiver after missing all but three games last season to injury. The team had also reportedly soured on second-year pass catcher JJ Arcega-Whiteside before he turned it around during training camp. Expect these two to have big roles come Week 1 against the Washington Football Team.
Outside of that, there’s not a whole heck of a lot to look at here. Rookie first-round pick Jalen Reagor and fellow youngster Greg Ward should take on prominent roles.
This is a major question mark for Philadelphia as it attempts to repeat as NFC East champs in 2020.