3 Reasons Alshon Jeffery to the Philadelphia Eagles makes perfect sense

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors of a possible deal to bring Alshon Jeffery  to Philadelphia have caused quite a stir.

Having the Chicago Cubs in The World Series hasn’t distracted anyone in “The City of Brotherly Love” or “The Windy City” from trade rumors that have recently surrounded wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. With the November 1st trade deadline approaching, a lot of speculation has surrounded the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles may be in the market to add a wide receiver to their roster.

Articles like this one, published on Tuesday and written by Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report didn’t quiet any of that speculation:

Now with rumors  of the Eagles being interested in both San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith and Jeffery, we examine why Jeffery may be the better fit and why the Eagles bringing Jeffery over actually makes sense. We’ll clear the confusion up about where this all came from, and shine some light on what it means to the Eagles going forward. Buckle up because this one’s going to be fun.

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Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) runs after a catch as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant (56) pursues in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Free agency and the November 1st trade deadline

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There’s one major issue in all of this. Bringing Jeffery over means the Eagles probably need to work out a long-term deal. He’s an unrestricted free agent following the 2016 season, The Chicago Bears have shown no interest in keeping him, but they definitely seem to be aware of his value. They don’t want to let him walk without getting something for him. Following November 1st, the option of trading him is off of the table, and it’s safe to say the Bears are going to do everything that they can to get something in return for his services.

It’s rumored that the Bears would, most likely, get a mid-round pick back as compensation, but that hasn’t exactly been etched in stone. The Eagles have done a good job of stockpiling draft picks over the past few seasons. Jeffery may be just what the doctor ordered.

There is one other thing of note. There have also been rumors of a possible return to Philadelphia by DeSean Jackson. He’s spent the past three seasons with the Washington Redskins. Interest in that happening hasn’t been confirmed or denied by the team, but it’s difficult to imagine the Eagles giving a long-term deal to Jeffery and doing the same for Jackson at season’s end.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (18) scores a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) and cornerback Terence Newman (23) defend in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dorial Green-Beckham and company

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For those of you that watch college football and the SEC, you probably already know a lot about both Dorial Green-Beckham and Jeffery. For those that don’t, here’s something that you may not know about both of these guys. One is a guy who people have tried to make into a number one receiver but may be better suited to be a second option (Green-Beckham). One may actually be a legitimate first option (Jeffery).

Fans of the Eagles keep waiting on a breakout game from “DGB”. Truthfully, he may not be suited to be “the guy”, but if he’s “The other guy”, watch out.

Truthfully, that can be said about the majority of this roster. This team is littered with running backs who are really guys who should be used as a change of pace. Then there are wide receivers who can’t shoulder the load of being a true number one target. That’s where Jeffery comes in. He gives quarterback Carson Wentz a bona fide number one target. That frees up Green-Beckham and company to make plays. Yes, there’s been talk about Smith in San Francisco. He may be better at going deep. Jeffery may be better at doing everything else.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff (13) runs with the ball after a pass reception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

3. This team has got to get better at the skill positions

Ryan Mathews can’t hold on to the ball. Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood can’t carry the ball 20 to 25 times. Jordan Matthews leads the team in receiving yards. We expected that. What we didn’t expect was for Matthews to have a grand total of 354 receiving yards through the first six games. This team has got to develop an identity on offense, and it needs to be done quickly. You can’t expect the special teams unit to return a kickoff for a touchdown in every game.

Guess who the Eagles’ second leading receiver is. If you guessed Sproles with 210 yards, you’re right. That’s not going to get it done. Wentz needs a go-to guy. He doesn’t have a consistent one. Jeffery could add that consistency, allow the other receivers to be what they were meant to be (role players) and shore up a receiving core that is talented but may need another veteran to help them along.

Jeffery is clearly the guy for the job. November 1st is around the corner, and the clock’s ticking. This is a deal the Eagles need to get done.

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