Well this is a surprise. The Philadelphia Eagles have signed several free agents this week, with fans wondering if they would trade any of the the guys from the last coaching regime. Now, Howie and Co, are adding to the mix via trade. The Eagles announced that they have traded a 6th round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for former University of Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn and a 7th round selection.
#Eagles acquire Arrelious Benn and a 7th-round pick from Tampa Bay in exchange for a 6th-round pick and a conditional pick in 2014.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 15, 2013
Benn is entering his 4th year in the league after spending his first 3 in Tampa Bay. He was a 2nd round pick out of Illinois in 2010, but was drafted in the same year as Syracuse's Mike Williams, who outperformed him. Benn has size at 6'2" 220-pounds, so there is reason to suspect he will be in the fold for Redzone packages. Tampa Bay used him as a starter in his first two years and moved him in the slot when Greg Schiano and Vincent Jackson came to town.
Here is a look at his numbers from last year:
As you can see, he didn't get used a lot during last year and was mostly a returner (another need for the Eagles) and averaged 23.5 yards on 13 kick returns. He is likely moving due to a logjam at WR and lack of a scheme fit. Benn has good speed as he ran a 4.42 in the 40 and projects as a guy who can play inside or out. What this means for Riley Cooper, Jason Avant or Jeremy Maclin remains to be seen, but the return for a 6th round pick is pretty nice. The Eagles basically just went back a round to pick up a young WR with starting experience who likely needed a change of scenery.
What do you think?