In hindsight, did the Eagles need to sign Torrey Smith?

Looking back on the Eagles’ offseason additions at wide receiver, did they really need Torrey Smith?

There is no denying that the Philadelphia Eagles have upgraded the wide receiver position this offseason. In free agency, they signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. They also drafted Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson in the 2017 NFL Draft as well.

Though the Eagles had the right sentiment in getting Carson Wentz some more weapons, did they overspend? Particularly with Smith? There is no denying that Smith is an upgrade at wide receiver, but given the other additions and his salary, the Eagles could have done without.

The former Super Bowl champion Smith is known for his ability to get deep and stretch the field. On paper, his skill set should fit nicely with a number one wideout in Jeffery and a solid slot receiver in Jordan Matthews.

But given the other wide receivers on the team, is Smith really needed?

Philadelphia Eagles

Smith is not the only receiver on the team who can stretch the field with his speed. Rookies Hollins and Gibson as well as Nelson Agholor and Bryce Treggs are all relatively fast. Agholor and Treggs have been disappointments. Especially Agholor. However, who’s to say that they can’t improve given the influx of competition? If they put it all together, they could certainly be a benefit to the offense. As far as Hollins and Gibson go, time will tell. Based on their potential in terms of speed, they could also be assets as well.

When it comes to Smith, money is also a factor as well. According to Spotrac, Smith is set to make $4.875 Million. It may not seem like too much money, but the Eagles are ranked 31st in cap space and are looking to extend Jeffery and possibly Matthews. If the Eagles were to release Smith, they would save $4.375 Million in cap space.

Torrey Smith is a solid wide receiver. There is no denying his talent. But given the fact that the Eagles brought in Jeffery to be their number one guy and drafted two speedsters, what was the point of the Smith signing? One would argue that Smith was a contingency plan if the Eagles couldn’t bring in someone of the caliber of Jeffery, which makes sense. Also, based on the team’s cap situation, it would’ve made sense if they just brought in Smith as opposed to Jeffery. They would’ve still upgraded the position and saved money in the process. Ultimately, given how the Eagles addressed the wide receiver position this offseason, the Smith signing raises some questions.