The Eagles will look to add the best free agents available for one of the team’s biggest needs this offseason, according to CBS’ Jason La Canfora.
As La Canfora reports Friday, the Eagles are expected to make a strong push to sign former Chicago Bears wide receiver and impending free agent Alshon Jeffery:
Several league sources anticipate the Eagles being in on Alshon Jeffery (Bears) and Philadelphia was aggressive in exploring trade options in-season on other receivers as well, like Torrey Smith (San Francisco), and they need to add more than one pass catcher this offseason.
Jeffery is expected to fetch upwards of $12.2 million per year as the top free agent available on the open market when free agency begins on March 9.
Making a play for the soon-to-be free agent wouldn’t be the first time that the Eagles have shown interest in Jeffery after making overtures to the Bears at least year’s trade deadline.
Last season, Jeffery hauled in 52 receptions for 821 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 15.8 yards per catch in 12 games. However, Jeffery’s season was marred by a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy.
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If the Eagles are able to wrangle Jeffery in free agency, he would immediately ascend to the top of the team’s depth chart at the position and potentially be a game-changing offensive weapon for quarterback Carson Wentz.
Adding Jeffery would also inject a much-needed veteran mentor into a young wide receiving corps of Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham.
However, as of Friday, the Eagles only have roughly $10 million in cap space after releasing cornerback Leodis McKelvin Wednesday afternoon. In order to fit Jeffery and others, executive vice president of football operations will need to trim even more from the team’s anticipated payroll.
Earlier this week, the Eagles approached Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters about taking a pay cut. Meanwhile, running back Ryan Mathews, defensive end Connor Barwin and others could find themselves as next in line as cap casualties as free agency approaches.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
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