LeSean McCoy talks about the possibility of returning to the Eagles

LeSean McCoy created some intrigue a few weeks ago when he hinted at a potential return to the Philadelphia Eagles in an interaction with DeSean Jackson on Instagram.

So, could we actually see Shady return to Philly? NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently interviewed the Eagles’ all-time leading rusher on the RapSheet + Friends podcast and asked McCoy as much.

RAPOPORT: How much have you thought about potentially being back in an Eagles uniform?

MCCOY: Yeah, I’ve thought about it. I mean, even the times where they would try to trade for me. And at the time, Buffalo wouldn’t let me go. I mean, listen, it’s not a secret, everybody knows that there’s a special place for me there, when I was playing with the Eagles. Started there. They kinda changed my life for the better, I was 20 years old. And Coach [Andy] Reid brought me up. Lot of my best friends, who I played with, we’re still good friends. Even teammates, I just talked to Fletcher Cox yesterday, just texting him and messing around. Yeah, so a lot of my good friends is still there. So, it’d mean a lot to me to play back there when I’m done. To finish my career out there would be excellent. That’s like home to me. But right now I’m just trying to keep the right fit [in mind]. And if it’s Philadelphia, it is. And if it’s not, it’s not.

I wrote about the possibility of McCoy’s return earlier this offseason:

The Eagles reportedly tried to trade for McCoy back in 2017. The Eagles also reportedly “reached out” to the Bills regarding McCoy’s availability prior to the 2018 trade deadline. The Eagles were reportedly one of four teams with “the strongest early interest” when McCoy was cut by the Bills in September 2019. But Shady signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, eventually winning a Super Bowl alongside his old coach in Andy Reid. Shady turns 32 this summer and was a healthy scratch for KC late last season. I don’t think the Eagles will be looking to re-sign their all-time leading rusher as they ideally try to get younger. Then again, NFL insider Mike Garafalo is saying he wouldn’t count out the Eagles bring Shady back to Philly.

I can’t say there’s a 0% chance the Eagles re-sign Shady given their multiple attempts to reacquire him in the past. The team does have a need at running back since Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Elijah Holyfield are the only backs currently under contract.

But I think the Eagles are more likely to add to their backfield via Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft and/or undrafted free agency. The Eagles could afford to add a more physical runner in the mold of Jordan Howard, who left to sign with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Maybe Holyfield can step up and be that guy.

McCoy, who turns 32 in July, told Rapoport he still wants to play at least two more seasons. McCoy also told reporters at Super Bowl LIV that he intends to retire as a member of the Eagles whenever his playing days are done. The feeling here is that would be the more appropriate time to bring McCoy back.

What say you?