Philadelphia Eagles talk: Let’s not forget about Markus Wheaton
Wide receiver Markus Wheaton didn’t sign with the Philadelphia Eagles simply so they could ask him to leave after the preseason is over. He’s focused on making their 53-man roster.
The last time the Philadelphia Eagles looked at the Chicago Bears roster in search of help at wide receiver, an Alshon Jeffery signing was the result. That happened during last season’s free agency period. It’s safe to say things worked out pretty well with that one. Now, with a much better looking crop of guys on the depth chart, the word being tossed around the Novacare Complex is ‘depth’. On May 2nd, the Eagles looked at the Bears’ depth chart again. The result was the signing of another wide receiver, Markus Wheaton.
Now, with Jeffery’s extension, Torrey Smith‘s departure, Mike Wallace‘s signing and Nelson Agholor‘s emergence in 2017, it’s easy to see why Wheaton hasn’t gotten a ton of pub. A strong Spring showing has altered that slightly. Now, the talk is about position battles, and the one Philly will have at wide receiver will be extremely interesting.
Let’s take a brief look both back and ahead.
More from Inside the Iggles
- Eagles LB Nakobe Dean jokingly makes his pitch for an assistant GM role
- Eagles captains earn high praise on roster blending veteran leadership, youth
- How former Eagles star Cre’Von LeBlanc helped Renegades upstage Cowboys
- Eagles 2023 schedule: Every WR duo Darius Slay, James Bradberry will battle
- Imagining better names for Jason Kelce’s Good Guy Award
As mentioned, Philly signed Wheaton on May 2nd. During his rookie campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he totaled six receptions for 64 yards. This after appearing in 12 games. Things improved in year two, when he racked up 644 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 53 receptions.
2015 was his third year in the league and was his best statistical season. He caught 44 passes, racked up 749 yards and he reached the end zone five times.
A shoulder injury ended his 2016 campaign after three games and, ultimately, ended his tenure in the ‘Steel City’.
Wheaton signed a two-year deal with the Bears on March 10th of last season, but a sub par showing in his first season there led to his release 369 days later. Philly picked him up, with little fan fair obviously, but coaches and the media have both admitted to being impressed with what they’ve seen through minicamp and at practice.
Next: Jalen Mills’ softball game, a SB ring giveaway
We’ve asked who the Patrick Robinson of 2018’s season might be. Maybe it wasn’t a slot corner we were searching for. Maybe it was a nice comeback for a good player at wide receiver.
Keep an eye (or both of them) on this one.