After three straight playoff appearances, the Birds landed in the basement.
In this era of free agency in the National Football League, it’s been proven over the years that teams can go from last place to a division title or even a Super Bowl championship. Such was the case of the Philadelphia Eagles, who finished with a 7-9 record and were dead last in the NFC East in 2016 to 13-3 and winners of Super Bowl LII.
That would be the first of three straight playoff appearances for then-head coach Doug Pederson. But it all came apart in 2020 as the team fell to 4-11-1, Pederson was fired by season’s end and former starting quarterback Carson Wentz is now in Indianapolis after being traded to the Colts.
This is a franchise with a lot of cap issues (see Spotrac). First things first. Mike Kaye of NJ.com explains that while the team renegotiated new deals for defensive tackle Malik Jackson and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in early January, NFL Network’s Mike Garofalo explains that neither player is in Philadelphia’s plans for 2021. Likewise star tight end Zach Ertz, who also doesn’t figure to be back as well (via Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network).
So who could the team be looking to part ways with in the next few weeks? And how do you define surprising?
3. WR DeSean Jackson
The return to the City of Brotherly Love hasn’t gone as planned. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson began his career with the Eagles and then moved onto Washington and Tampa Bay. He came back to Philadelphia in 2019 and has been back with the franchise for two seasons.
Unfortunately, he’s played in a total of eight games in his second tour of duty with the club. It adds up to 23 receptions, good for 395 yards and three touchdowns. That’s an impressive 17.2 yards per grab, further proof that the big-play pro hasn’t really slowed down.
Perhaps the real surprise is that Jackson remained on the roster after an injury-riddled 2019. In any case, the 13-year veteran could be one of numerous familiar faces the franchise parts ways with this offseason.
2. T Andre Dillard
It was thought to be a shrewd move when the Eagles added to one of the strength of their team during the 2019 NFL Draft. General manager Howie Roseman orchestrated a deal with the Baltimore Ravens and traded up in the first round to select highly-regarded University of Washington tackle Andre Dillard. Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services was very high on the talented prospect:
"The jury may still be out if he is better suited inside or on the edge, but no matter the case Dillard will be a long-time solid pro. His movement-efficiency and contact-balance will be a weapon against any kind of defender whether it be at the point of attack or in space. Checks a lot of boxes and will give a team multiple options how to use him both right away and in the future. Strong, squatty, and sturdy frame. Carries weight with ease. Textbook kick slide that stems from his quick and balanced lower body. Always aware of where his feet are and rarely looks overwhelmed. Control is his middle name…"
But two seasons into his career and Dillard has played in 17 games (including playoffs) and made only four starts. He suffered a biceps injury in late August and missed all of 2020, as did right guard Brandon Brooks. It is little wonder the Eagles allowed a league-high 65 sacks. Would the organization give up on the young prospect? And speaking of the team’s 2019 draft class…
1. WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
During the 2019 preseason, he wound up leading the team with 12 receptions, good for 147 yards and one touchdown. Then came the games that counted for real. Former Stanford University wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside would play in all 16 contests and wound up making five starts. He was targeted 22 times but hauled in only 10 passes for 169 yards and one score. The former Cardinal did toil on special teams, totaling two tackles and a fumble recovery. He played in the club’s 17-9 home playoff loss to the Seahawks but did not catch a pass.
This past season, Arcega-Whiteside played in only eight contests. When available, he was thrown at eight times and managed only four catches for 85 yards and zero touchdowns.
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Last April, the Eagles used a first-round pick on TCU wideout Jalen Reagor, who wound up making 11 starts in as many outings. He finished fifth on the team with 31 receptions, good for 396 yards and one TD. While quarterback Carson Wentz had his issues in 2020, wide receivers Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham made solid accounts of themselves when called upon. Is it too early to consider Arcega-Whiteside a bust?