Could the Eagles Pursue WR Titus Young?

That you even clicked through to read a story about the possibility of the Eagles acquiring a guy who is a complete and utter butthead is a pretty good indication of where we are at in the offseason–the beginning.

As you likely know by now, the Lions have parted ways with Titus Young, bringing an end to what was once a promising career in Detroit for the former Boise State product.

But because this is the offseason and because Young does possess some talent, talent perhaps good enough to overshadow the fact that he’s a complete jackass, let us take a look at whether or not he would fit in Philadelphia.

First, it’s impossible to gauge new head coach Chip Kelly’s willingness to bring in troubled players at the professional level. In perhaps the most notable comparison at the college level, Kelly showed a willingness to forgive but also a short leash in dealing with problem players. For example, let’s look at former Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. The signal-caller was initially suspended from the program in 2010 after breaking into a fraternity house and was later kicked off the team for good when he was arrested for possession of marijuana. Here’s what Kelly had to say at the time of the incident.

“He knew what he had at stake,” Kelly told The Oregonian. “We set parameters for him and it was up to him to make sure that he followed through. We had a plan in place, he had an opportunity to come back in 2011 and he failed to do the things that he needed to do.”

So what’s the lesson to be learned here? Kelly is willing to give a talented player a second chance, but such a shot had apparently better not be taken for granted.

Which brings us back to Young.

After appearing in all 16 games as a rookie, a season in which he hauled in 48 passes for 607 yards and six touchdowns, the 23-year-old appeared poised for a breakout season in 2012. But that didn’t materialize. Instead, Young became increasingly cantankerous regarding what he perceived to his lack of involvement in Detroit’s pass-heavy offense.

Young appeared in only 10 games. The 2011 second-round draft pick finished with 33 catches for 383 yards and four touchdowns before being suspended for the remainder of the season after he intentionally incorrectly lined up during a play in a December contest. That’s insubordination at its finest. And, oh yeah, there was that time he sucker punched teammate Louis Delmas last spring. Almost forgot about that.

But maybe Young had learned from his past indiscretions, perhaps realizing that his immature behavior would be a detriment to his career moving forward. Maybe he would be humbled.

Not exactly.

Young recently told his former high school coach E.C Robinson that he was as good as former teammate and All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson. You know, the guy who set the all-time record for receiving yards in a single season in 2012.

From the Detroit Free Press:

“He did tell me he thought he was just as good Megatron,” Robinson told the paper. “I said, ‘Titus, come on.’ I said, ‘Come on, man. Who you talking to?’ I said, ‘Come on, you’re as good as that guy? This guy is the real deal.’ And he really believes this. And he was sincere about it. ‘Ah man, I’m better than him.’ I said, ‘No you’re not. Be real man. Come on.’ So I don’t know, I’m hoping for the best for him.”

So while a team like the Eagles may be intrigued by Young’s age and his undeniable talent, the team must ask itself one question when evaluating Young as a potential fit–is this the type of guy we want to include in the rebuilding process? The answer when it comes to Young seems rather obvious. Some risks, even ones with high-rewards, simply aren’t worth taking.