Now that the offseason has officially started for the Eagles, Andy Reid and company will have to spend the next couple of weeks carefully scrutinizing the 2010 roster. The free agency signing period begins in a little over a month and a half and by that time, the front office should have a good idea of which Eagles players they'll want to bring back for the 2011 season (if there is one). Today, BGN takes a look at the wide receiver position.
The Players
DeSean Jackson: The Miracle at the New Meadowlands, the 91 yard go-ahead touchdown catch in the Cowboys game, the two-touchdown performance against the NFC-leading Falcons: DeSean Jackson has certainly earned his Pro Bowl selection this year. Slated to make a scant $565,000 salary in the final year of his rookie contract next year, Jackson is likely set to receive the extension he deserves as soon as the new CBA is in place.
Jeremy Maclin: Maclin's breakout year was by far his best season statistically. The second year player quickly became a favorite target of Michael Vick and racked up 964 yards and 10 touchdowns off of 70 receptions. He has three years left on his $15.5 million rookie deal and will be back for another monster season in 2011.
Jason Avant: Despite being one of the most reliable slot receivers in the league, Avant had a few key drops during the season. Nevertheless, he did manage to lead all Eagles receivers in the Wildcard game with 93 yards and the team's only receiving touchdown. After getting a big extension before the 2010 season, he will likely see at least one more of the four years left on his contract in an Eagles uniform.
Riley Cooper: The golden-haired "Sunshine" quickly worked his way into the hearts of Philadelphia fans despite playing behind one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL. Cooper displayed a fair amount of potential in the limited time he was on the field and proved to be a capable special teams player, neatly recovering David Akers' onside kick in the epic comeback against the Giants. The rookie has three years left on his contract and will likely resume his reserve/special teams duties next year, albeit with an increased role.
Chad Hall: Despite putting on an impressive show against the Cowboys in week 17, Hall was less impressive where it mattered: on special teams. In his limited action on kick returns, Hall averaged a mere 16.3 yards and just didn't seem to possess the big-play ability to take it the distance. He has two years left on his three-year deal and will likely be given plenty of competition in training camp.
Rod Harper: After spending most of the season on the Eagles practice squad, Harper was signed to a reserve/future contract and will compete for a reserve role (or a second stint on the practice squad) in training camp.
Jeremy Williams: See Harper, Rod
Sinorice Moss: Scooped up out of the Giants' rubbish bin and signed to a reserve/future contract, Moss expects to challenge the likes of Jorrick Calvin, Gerard Lawson and Chad Hall for the primary kick returner position.
Who Could Leave
Chad Hall
Who Could Sign
The Cardinals' WR/KR Steve Breaston looks to be headed for the free agent market, but has some lingering concerns with this knee. Sounds like Andy's kind of guy.
After losing ground in the return game to rookie Nick Miller, four-year veteran Johnnie Lee Higgins may have seen his last season in a Raiders uniform. While Higgins has shown signs of slowing down, coach Bobby April may be able to draw out another 2008-type performance from Higgins, who returned three punts for touchdowns that year.
Although devoid of any return experience, Derek Hagan proved to be a solid contributor for the Giants after being picked up midway through the season. He's shown flashes of potential and seems to have a knack for beating the Redskins defense, as two of his best games came against them this year.