Who’s the Third Receiver on the Eagles Roster?
The Eagles received notable news last Monday night when former Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots wide receiver Devante Parker announced his retirement from the NFL. Parker was slated to play for the Eagles in 2024, but after a nine-year career, he decided to retire. While not a catastrophic loss, it is significant as the Eagles, under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, need a reliable third wide receiver. Moore often uses 11 personnel (one tight end and three receivers), and although Parker was not a standout at this stage in his career, his veteran presence could have been valuable. The Eagles now need to identify a replacement, possibly from within their current roster.
Eagles Current Wide Receivers
Besides A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, the Eagles have eight other receivers. Three potential candidates to replace Parker stand out. Parris Campbell, a veteran who has struggled with injuries, has only surpassed 200 receiving yards in one of his six seasons, making him an unreliable option. The Eagles also drafted two receivers: Ainias Smith in the fifth round and Johnny Wilson in the sixth. Smith, a tough slot receiver, excels with the ball in his hands and could be a solid short-route option who occasionally stretches defenses. Wilson, a 6’6″, 231-pound receiver, has promising physical traits but needs to improve his route running. He is unlikely to play in the slot, which would push Devonta Smith into that role. While these rookies have potential, relying on day three picks as immediate starters is risky. Therefore, the Eagles may need to look for another receiver on the market.
Potential Eagles Targets
Former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas is a potential target for the Eagles, capable of fitting into the slot receiver role. However, his recent injury history poses a risk regarding his ability to play a full season. Hunter Renfrow, a free agent, is another option. Although limited, his quick and shifty playstyle as a slot receiver could benefit the Eagles. Russell Gage, who missed the 2023 season due to a knee injury, is also a dependable choice when healthy, able to play both slot and outside positions.
The Eagles’ need for an additional receiver is clear. Given the available options, they might have to rely on a combination of players to fill the third and fourth receiver roles. While Michael Thomas or Russell Gage could address this need, their health is a concern. Consequently, the Eagles might end up signing multiple receivers to ensure they are adequately covered. Fortunately, there are still viable options and various strategies available to address this need.
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