If it’s a slot receiver that the Eagles want… free agency is the place to look

The legal tampering period is officially open and while the Philadelphia Eagles have a plethora of needs this offseason, the idea of signing a slot receiver is a very appealing one. The good news is that even though the NFL Draft should offer a bucket full of speedy prospects, free agency has something for everyone.

It’s not yet known what the Eagles want to do at wide receiver. Do they want to keep Jalen Reagor? Is Quez Watkins the starting slot receiver, or will he be pushed out to the Z spot? Both answers will in turn tell us what kind of wideout the Eagles need. But if it’s a slot guy they want, things just got very spicy.

Jarvis Landry

After giving him permission to speak a trade this past weekend, the Browns have decided to part ways with the LSU product. This all stemmed from the arrival of Amari Cooper, that subsequently pushed Landry and his massive contract out into the cold.

Landry missed five games in 2021 and had a career-low season, putting up only 570 yards and 2 touchdowns. Even if he had played a full season, those numbers would’ve averaged out to one of his most disappointing yet.

The 29-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler and shouldn’t be written off. Before 2021, he averaged 91 catches and over 1,000 yards across his first seven NFL seasons, and let’s not forget he led the NFL in receiving back in 2017.

If it’s a proven veteran that the Eagles want, Landry is absolutely an enticing option. But he may want a little more stability at quarterback after putting up with Baker Mayfield for so long…

Christian Kirk

Two words: Aaron. Moorhead.

The Eagles WR coach actually worked with Kirk at Texas A&M. Their track record?

2017: Christian Kirk: 919 yards, 10 TD, 13 games
2016: Christian Kirk: 928 yards, 9 TD, 13 games
2015: Christian Kirk: 1,009 yards, 7 TD, 13 games

Since being drafted, Kirk has become a lethal slot weapon in Arizona and is almost the perfect example of what Jalen Reagor should’ve developed into. He had 982 yards this year and looked impressive when asked to fill the boots of an injured DeAndre Hopkins.

Kirk should absolutely be a no-brainer for the Eagles if he’s interested in coming to Philadelphia. He may come at a premium due to the fact his trajectory is only pointing upwards, but it should be a price worth paying.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Outside of the TikTok distractions, JuJu had a productive career in Pittsburgh. The only problem was that his ceiling seemed to be capped. He’ll come cheaper than most of the other big-name wideouts and would obviously present the Eagles with a zippy threat over the middle.

He only played in five games last year after suffering a shoulder injury. He ended with just 15 receptions and 129 yards. As a result, he may want a prove-it contract to see if he can bounce back for a weaker free-agent class in 2023 and secure a much bigger deal.

When healthy, JuJu is a consistent contributor and someone that isn’t afraid to get physical. He blocks hard in the run game, is able to be physical through the stem of his routes, and can make big plays by catching balls that would usually be unreachable. He would be a solid addition to the Eagles’ grouping.

A wildcard the Eagles should consider

As enticing as free agents may be, there are other names they could also try to acquire. Arizona’s Andy Isabella is a perfect example of a player who has slipped through the cracks. Formerly a second-round pick, Isabella got caught in the high-octane offensive rebuild and has had little opportunity to thrive as an undersized slot receiver.

He’d be a cheap and cheerful target for a team who put an emphasis on speed.

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire