Eagles Sign Alshon Jeffrey, Torrey Smith, Chance Warmack
By Zack Trapp
Howie Roseman is back at it again making noise in March.
The Eagles added three new offensive starters to start free agency in Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, and Chance Warmack.
Jeffrey and Smith add a much-needed injection of life into a wide receiving corps that has lacked zest since Chip Kelly jettisoned Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson.
Entering on a one-year, $14 million dollar deal, Jeffrey was possibly the top free agent on the market. When healthy, he provides a dynamic down the field presence with an uncanny ability to come down with contested catches. He has missed 11 games in the past two seasons.
The former Bear reportedly turned down a multi-year offer from the Minnesota Vikings. When his market turned out to be lower than expected, he took a prove-it deal with the intention of cashing in during 2018. At just 27 years old, he’s still got tread on his tires.
Jeffrey had 52 catches for 821 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2016. The Bears selected him in the second round in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Torrey Smith comes to Philadelphia after a two-year stint in San Francisco where he was miscast as a top receiver on a remarkably anonymous offense. He’ll play on a 3-year, $15 million dollar deal. The deal comes essentially as a one year deal with two more one-year options. He should add juice to a passing game void of speed the past two seasons.
Smith’s high water mark came when he helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl in 2013.
While last year slot receiver Jordan Matthews was the team’s top option, he’ll now most likely be the third peg in 2018. He has notably been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Former first-round pick Nelson Agholor looks to be on the outside looking in.
Warmack will solidify an offensive line that figures to be one of the best in the league next year. He comes on a one-year deal and should start at left guard. With Lane Johnson and Jason Peters at tackle, the group looks rock solid. A former first round pick, Warmack played a key role in one of the NFL’s top front lines in Tennessee last year.
Hamstrung by inadequate personnel last year, Carson Wentz showed the strains of carrying an organization down the stretch. With a new-look offense, the former North Dakota star looks poised to make the leap in 2018.
Doug Pederson ran a quick strike, West Coast offense much like that of Kansas City last year. With a strong-armed quarterback, stalwart offensive line, and two bonafide deep-threats, this looks like a group ready to take it vertical next year.