The Philadelphia Eagles had one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory in 2012, but thing are turning around under new head coach Chip Kelly, which is one reason why the team is planning to go after St. Louis Rams free agent wide receiver Danny Amendola.
According to NFL.com, Amendola is a top target for the Eagles, who are looking for quick and sure-handed receivers for their new offense under Kelly. Amendola was hurt for part of last season, but still put up solid numbers in 11 games. The report says that one reason for the signing could be the connection of Amendola and new coordinator Pat Shurmur, as the two were together in St. Louis when Amendola first came onto the scene in 2009.
The Eagles have a number of talented receivers in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but Jackson is coming off of surgery and the team would like more depth at the position. Kelly's offense should be good for Amendola, as he is a quick cutter and a solid slot player.
Last season he made he had 63 receptions for 666 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games after getting injured and was one of Sam Bradford's most consistent targets. According to Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, it's "unclear how hard" the Eagles will go after Amendola, considereing his injury history, but the team could decide to sign him anyway.
Amendola appears to be the cheapest wide receiver alternative to Wes Welker and Mike Wallace, each of whom could command up to $10 million in salary next season. The Rams had a chance to franchise Amendola, but they decided to let him walk into free agency instead.
Amendola has missed 20 games over the past two years and could get some deal that was like Brian Hartline's $6.1 million per year after he signed a five-year deal with the Dolphins. The 27-year-old has been with the Rams for four seasons and was once on the Eagles practice squad.
Amendola can also return kicks and he has proven to have excellent speed in the open field. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound would fit well with speedsters like Jackson and Jason Avant, but his numbers could suffer since he won't be the number one option.
In 2011 he was injured and missed the majority of the season after playing in all 16 games and making 85 receptions for 698 yards and three touchdowns the previous year. Amendola was excellent against the 49ers last season, making 11 catches for 102 yards after returning from injury.
The Eagles could go after Welker or Wallace if Amendola doesn't work out, as they may decide paying one of those receivers is worth the money just to get him on the field.