NFL Free Agency Rumors: Markus Wheaton among wide receivers targeted by Eagles

It sounds like the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t done looking for help at wide receiver despite signing Torrey Smith to a new contract earlier on Thursday.

Along with Ian Rapoport reporting the Eagles are “making a strong push” for Alshon Jeffery, NFL insider Jason La Canfora says Philadelphia is still exploring free agent receiver options. He specifically mentioned Markus Wheaton by name.

Wheaton is one of eight players I suggested the Eagles should sign this offseason. Here’s what I wrote:

The 26-year-old Wheaton seemed to be an ascending player before last season. Check out his stats.

2013 - 6 receptions, 64 yards, 0 TD

2014 - 53 receptions, 644 yards, 2 TD

2015 - 44 receptions, 749 yards, 5 TD

2016 - 4 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD

Wheaton suffered a shoulder injury last year and was placed on injured reserve in November.

It looks like Wheaton is out in Pittsburgh because the Steelers don’t even have the room for him. The Eagles might want to gamble on his upside, especially if he doesn’t cost too much

Wheaton is the kind of buy-low player who could make sense for Philadelphia’s tight budget. As is the case with Smith, the Eagles wouldn’t sign him with the expectation he’ll fix a wide receiving corps that was dreadful in 2016. But the former 2013 third-round pick has shown some promise so maybe he could end up being a solid contributor.

The Eagles need all the help they can get at receiver so, at the very least, kicking the tires on Wheaton and gauging his price can’t hurt.