Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, Philadlephia Eagles
The Eagles signed Alshon Jeffery to a one-year deal, which shows just how little they trust his ability to stay on the field. He reportedly took less security to prove he could do just that and wanted to play with a young star in Carson Wentz, but given his history it’s definitely a stretch to assume he will.
Jeffery has played five seasons in the NFL yet has managed to complete a 16-game season just twice. In those two years (2013-14) he was tremendously productive, catching 174 passes for 2,554 yards and 17 touchdowns. That’s the player the Eagles hope they’re landing.
However, in his other three seasons Jeffery has missed significant time due to injury (2012 and 2015) and a four-game PED suspension last year.
The Eagles realize Jeffery isn’t a low-risk hire, and his contract bears that out. After it was initially reported as a one-year, $14 million deal, in the end Philly signed Jeffery to a one-year, $9.5 million contract.
It isn’t as big as you’d expect for a player of his caliber, but it doesn’t come without risk. While many teams entered free agency with a glut of cash to spend, Philadelphia was not one of them. This financial commitment to land a big-play receiver keeps the franchise from pursuing other areas of need, so it’s going to be worth tracking this upcoming season.