Alshon Jeffery leaning towards signing with Eagles, per report
By Ryan Quigley
Alshon Jeffery is reportedly favoring the Eagles in free agency.
The Philadelphia Eagles already signed former San Francisco 49ers wideout Torrey Smith Thursday. Now it’s looking like they could sign Alshon Jeffery as well.
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Jeffery is leaning towards signing with the Eagles when the new league year officially begins.
I'm told, as of now, WR Alshon Jeffery is leaning towards choosing the #Eagles when free agency starts.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
Jeffery makes a lot of sense for the Eagles. Philadelphia obviously needs a revitalized receiving corps after an abysmal showing from the group in 2016. Jeffery, 27, would immediately become the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver and give quarterback Carson Wentz a big target to throw to.
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Jeffery also has an obvious connection to the Eagles in newly hired wide receivers coach Mike Groh. Groh spent three seasons with the Chicago Bears from 2013 to 2015. During that span, Jeffery recorded 228 receptions for 3,361 yards and 21 touchdowns and was voted to his first career Pro Bowl.
At 6’3″, 218 pounds, Jeffery is a big, strong receiver with an uncanny ability to win in jump ball situations. Current Eagles wideout Dorial Green-Beckham has a similar skill set, but apparently he cares more about the Philadelphia nightlife than putting in effort on the football field.
Jeffery has some red flags of his own, however. He was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season due to performance-enhancing drug violations and has dealt with a pair of serious injuries since being selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Next: Eagles Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft
If the Eagles do end up signing Jeffery, it will be interesting to see what the team will do with wideout Jordan Matthews. It was reported earlier this week that the Eagles were open to moving Matthews for the right price. Despite a major regression in 2016, Matthews is still young and could possibly command a nice return via trade.
Of course, we all know how much Howie Roseman loves making trades.