Inside the Iggles
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Carson Wentz makes Eagles an interesting team for prospects

By Justin Grasso

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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While free agents usually hit the market to get a big deal, Carson Wentz makes the Eagles a desired landing spot for prospects.

As we head towards training camp, which is set to begin a couple of months from now, the Philadelphia Eagles have finally filled most of their needs on offense. One of the main goals for this off-season was to find weapons for the teams’ franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz.

Mr. Wentz ended up playing last season with arguably one of the worst receiving cores in the NFL. They were ranked 10th in the league in the category of dropped passes. Try 24 drops on 604 targets on for size. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made sure his first order of business was to sign some veteran receivers who were already established in the NFL.

The Battle Plan:

The obvious need during free agency was to find “a burner”. The Eagles needed a wide receiver who could stretch the field and give Wentz the opportunity to throw the long ball. They signed former Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers receiver Torrey Smith to a three-year deal. While the signing of Smith was huge for the team, the biggest signing the Eagles made was former Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery. He had a solid five-year stint in Chicago, but as the team started to fall apart, Jeffery was forced to explore other options.

When Jeffery hit the market at the start of free agency, it seemed like the Eagles couldn’t afford the long-term deal he was seeking. That didn’t matter for Jeffery though. As a matter of fact, he was offered a multi-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Jeffery chose to come to Philly though, on a one-year deal for one reason. That reason is Carson Wentz.

Everybody wants to work with a ‘future MVP’

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Jeffery wasn’t shy about voicing his respect for Wentz. He told the media that he texted Wentz when he signed. Jeffery told him he is going to help him win MVP honors. That didn’t matter to Wentz though, he is only worried about winning championships in Philadelphia.

After an impressive rookie season, Wentz has gained plenty of respect around the NFL. He has shown true potential, and with some weapons, he may help the Eagles become an offensive juggernaut once again.

LeGarrette Blount joins Wentz in the Eagles’ backfield:

Jeffery wasn’t the only veteran prospect that believed in Wentz. Former New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount made his decision to sign with the Eagles based on his respect for the quarterback as well. He told the Eagles media on Thursday that he had multiple offers from the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants. Neither team had the same appeal to him that the Eagles did.

Blount told the media that Wentz has the potential to be a really special player and that he has all of the tools necessary to be great. That says a lot coming from a player who has played with future NFL Hall of Fame inductess Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady. If Wentz hasn’t given Eagles fans a reason to believe that he is the real deal, then maybe some of these NFL stars can. As he heads into his second year, Wentz has more weapons and more experience. If everything goes well this season, expect more college and free agent prospects to be seeking a roster spot with the Eagles.

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