The trade deadline for NFL teams is due to strike 4 PM on November 1, and the hottest topic regarding potential trades might just be the Philadelphia Eagles' brass inquiring about San Francisco 49ers’ wideout Torrey Smith. The 27-year-old receiver already has a Super Bowl ring, over 4,400 career receiving yards, and per Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice, would already be ranked 12 on the Eagles all-time receiver list as is. Another 340 yards would place him at eight.
Now, to calm the nerves of any and all Eagles fans who think this plausible trade will suddenly allow the Birds to lead the league in receiving overnight is simply not going to happen. Smith is simply another prime example of a good, solid player getting paid oodles of money by a worthless franchise, and now San Fran is searching for suitors to take this financial burden off their hands. Smith signed a 5-year, $40 million contract with the Niners just last season, and considering he is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, the Eagles – in this rumored scenario – are likely to pay the wideout his same $6.5 million per year.
Many other writers and reporters have opinionated that with Smith’s current contract, the Eagles would be foolish to grant San Francisco anything higher than a 5th-round draft pick; an opinion that this writer also shares. Smith would allow the Eagles to stretch the field vertically and potentially open the doors for current receivers like Jordan Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham to make some x-plays, but by no means would he be Philly’s Terrell Owens 2.0.
While Smith does not have that elite DeSean Jackson-type speed, he does force the defense to place their best corner on him and play single-high at all times – so long as he shows the same Super Bowl-winning, playmaking ability. At the end of the day, this trade would put a sizeable financial grip on the franchise in regards to the inevitable off-season roster moves come this April, and the ceiling for greatness may only reach the status of an Eric Decker; but the truth is that Philly is absolutely desperate for a WR#1.
There has also been a resurgence of rumors about the Eagles being on the prowl for Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who has currently mustered 520 yards this season without a franchise quarterback and has been reportedly unhappy with the Bears organization ever since the two were unable to pen a long-term contract. Jeffery would be an absolute gem for the Eagles, and would very well be the missing offensive piece that could help Carson Wentz evolve even further as a rookie quarterback and perhaps push this team into playoff contention – something that Chicago cannot offer 26-year-old wideout given their existing condition.
So for a pure opinion, I think the Eagles should pull the trigger so long as it does not jeopardize the rebuilding process of this team and does not put them in a financial death grip that won’t allow them to add more pieces at positions they already need; such as cornerback, outside linebacker, another receiver, etc. Philadelphia is currently ranked 29 in passing yards so if they stand any chance in winning their division, they are going to need studs that can at least hold their own – statistically – against NFC East favorites like Odell Beckham Jr. and Dez Bryant.
In an effort to combat the team’s recent slew of injuries, the Eagles have resurfaced a few familiar faces. With Bennie Logan’s calf muscle and Ron Brooks being placed on season-ending IR with a right quadriceps tendon rupture, along with the coaching staff wanting four defensive tackles on the roster, Taylor Hart was brought back after being waived by the 49ers.
C.J. Smith was promoted from the practice squad October 13, and could possibly see his first NFL regular-season action this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The game day lineup is now inclined to feature Malcolm Jenkins in the slot during nickel formations with Jaylen Watkins playing Jenkins’ safety role.
“My best years in this league since I stepped in, playing in the slot has been my most productive”, said Jenkins this past August.
Another secondary move made was the addition of Aaron Grymes to the practice squad. Grymes, who spent three seasons with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos, made some positive highlight film during his stay with the Eagles during summer camp and preseason.
Doug Pederson would go onto say to reporters, “We had him in camp and [he] hasn’t played ball, so we have to see where he’s at.”
Running down the list, linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has a right hamstring strain, Mychal Kendricks is sore from a rib contusion he suffered against Washington, Jordan Matthews has knee tendonitis, and Jason Peters has that right bicep strain. All latter three are expected to be ready this Sunday versus the Cowboys, whereas Kamu is week-to-week.