Philadelphia Eagles: Trading Nelson Agholor would be a tremendous mistake

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor is the next name floating around the rumor mill to be traded potentially.

Here we go, ladies and gentlemen, the 2019 NFL offseason is starting to heat up. Numerous players got slapped with the franchise tag, while others are receiving their pink slips. The NFL combine just wrapped up, and the rumor mill is boiling. However, some Philadelphia Eagles fans may not like this rumor that has been floating around. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports recently reported the Eagles are “open” to moving Nelson Agholor.

Just hours before the La Canfora article was published, Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media regarding the decision not to apply the franchise tag on Nick Foles, prospects at the combine, and much more. The topic of Nelson Agholor was brought up, and Pederson had nothing but high praise for him.

Here’s what Pederson had to say:

"“I love this guy (Agholor). He’s the first one in and the last one out. He’s a hard worker. Spends time before and after practice. Can’t say enough good things about Nelson Agholor and what he’s brought to the table and what he will continue to bring.”"

Though, this wouldn’t be the first time an NFL coach has publicly praised a player only to show them the door a few weeks later. However, the Eagles are strapped for cash and presumably the reason they are reportedly “open” to trading Agholor.

According to Spotrac, Agholor is under contract for the upcoming season on his fifth-year option with a non-guaranteed salary of nearly $9.4 million, with a matching cap number.

If the Eagles happen to trade Agholor, this could arguably be one of the worst moves by Philly’s front office this offseason.

The former first-round pick in the 2015 draft has come a long way since his first two underachieving seasons at the professional level. Trading Agholor now would just be foolish. He is only 25-years-old and just starting to hit his stride. Over the last two seasons, Agholor has 126 receptions for 1,504 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Currently, on the Eagles roster, Agholor is the only deep threat available. Alshon Jeffery does have the ability to beat defenders deep, but that is not his specialty. Jeffery’s money-maker is his ability to high point the ball. While Mack Hollins showed flashes of speed during the 2017 campaign, he missed the entire 2018 season with a groin injury. Who knows how effective he can be next season.

The Birds’ very well could draft a speedy wide receiver in the forthcoming draft, but Agholor has proven himself over the last few seasons to be a reliable deep threat when given the opportunity. In fact, Agholor has reeled in seven 50-plus-yard receptions in the previous two seasons. Josh Gordon with eight and Tyreek Hill with 10 are the only two players who have more during that period.

You can take the La Canfora report “with a grain of salt” because Philadelphia has shown to be faithful toward their draft picks. Most recently with the contract extensions of Brandon Graham and Isaac Seumalo. Could Agholor be the next Bird to be locked up for the future?