The trading/free agent signing period is fast approaching, so the Eagles front office will have to decide who they plan to pursue come March 5th. Over the next few weeks at BGN, we will be taking a position-by-position look at who we could see in an Eagles uniform come training camp. Today's position? Wide receivers.
Now that the starting wide receiver positions have finally been solidified with talented young players DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, it's time for the Eagles to turn their attention to the backups. Monster slot receiver Jason Avant has not been re-signed yet. Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are in the twilight of their careers and present little value to the team anymore. There's always a chance that practice squad receivers Jordan Norwood or Dobson Collins could be the roster success stories of 2010, but who's going to take that gamble? The Eagles need some depth at this position and they need it quickly. Here are a few options:
Arnaz Battle (UFA): The 29 year old 49ers receiver could provide some veteran leadership to a young receiving corps. He is a very physical player who can block well and produce yards after the catch. He is also a converted quarterback, so the Eagles coaching staff would have the option of using him on a gadget play or two. The main drawback to Battle, however, is his lack of speed. He would be a good sub in at slot receiver in Philadelphia, but probably nothing more.
Kassim Osgood (UFA): The former undrafted rookie free agent has made great strides since being signed by the Chargers during the 2003 offseason. This giant of a receiver uses his 6'5" 220 lb frame to his advantage, working the middle of the field and always going up to win the jump ball. While certainly not the fastest receiver on the field, his physicality can help the team out not only on offense, but also on special teams. In fact, Osgood has been to the 2006, 2007, and 2009 Pro Bowls representing the AFC in special teams.
Bobby Wade (UFA): The 28 year old Wade has bounced around the NFL during his eight seasons, playing for the Bears, Titans, Vikings, and most recently, the Chiefs. He has the frame and elusiveness of DeSean Jackson, but not anywhere near the speed. While he is very good at making defenders miss in the open field, his lack of physicality and unwillingness to go over the middle will relegate him to a role player if signed, likely to be #4 on the depth chart.
Other Available Free Agents:
- Vincent Jackson (RFA)
- Miles Austin (RFA)
- Brandon Marshall (RFA)
- Terrell Owens (UFA)
- Braylon Edwards (RFA)
- Malcom Floyd (RFA)
- Antonio Bryant (UFA)
- Nate Burleson (UFA)
- Kevin Walter (UFA)
- Derrick Mason (UFA)
- Steve Breaston (RFA)
- Lance Moore (RFA)
- Donte Stallworth (UFA)
- Chris Chambers (UFA)
- Mark Clayton (RFA)
- Muhsin Muhammad (UFA)
- Demetrius Williams (RFA)
- Jerheme Urban (RFA)
- Brad Smith (RFA)
- Domenik Hixon (RFA)
- Hank Baskett (RFA)
- Maurice Stovall (RFA)
- Ruvell Martin (RFA)
- Troy Williamson (RFA)
- Sam Hurd (RFA)
- Mike Furrey (UFA)
- Josh Reed (UFA)
- Kelley Washington (RFA)
- Mark Bradley (RFA)
- Sinorice Moss (RFA)
- Derek Hagan (RFA)
- Marty Booker (UFA)
- Brandon Lloyd (UFA)
- Terrance Copper (UFA)
- Greg Lewis (RFA)
- Courtney Roby (RFA)
In the next installment, we will be taking a look at offensive tackles. Feel free to leave any suggestions on who to examine in the comments section. For more information on unrestricted vs. restricted free agents in a potentially uncapped year, check out this great article over at Mocking The Draft.