For all the moves the Philadelphia Eagles have made this offseason, getting a wide receiver has yet to be one of them. The Eagles have adjusted their running back rotation with one of free agency's biggest deals. They have overhauled their quarterback plans with potentially more changes to come, but they have yet to bring in someone to replace Jeremy Maclin. With plenty of options still on the market, will the Eagles make another move before the NFL Draft?
The Eagles let Maclin walk away to Kansas City to sign one of the larger free agency deals at the position. That leaves the Eagles with Riley Cooper and second-year pro Jordan Matthews. Josh Huff is also there, but Maclin was the leading receiver for Philadelphia and his absence leaves a big hole. Is Kelly counting on Cooper to have a year similar to 2013 after dropping off the map in 2014? Matthews dealt with a knee injury for most of last season, but still managed to finish with 872 yards and eight touchdowns while playing primarily to slot position. Those three receivers are simply not enough.
The Eagles have yet to show interest in signing a wide receiver in free agency, but there are affordable options on the market should they take a look. Michael Crabtree is considered the best of the bunch. The former San Francisco 49ers receiver just took a visit to the Miami Dolphins, but could be an option. If the Eagles would prefer a veteran, they could try and grab Dwayne Bowe or Greg Jennings.
According to Yahoo's Rand Getlin, the Eagles are leaning towards a wide receiver in the draft. Getlin reports that USC standout Nelson Agholor took a visit to the team. Kelly originally recruited him to play at Oregon. The Eagles will not make a move for one in the first round and with their lack or draft picks, might not make one until a later round. That would leave players like Jaelen Strong, Sammie Coates or Chris Conley as draft options.
For now, the Eagles are assumed not to be taking a wide receiver in the first round because they will use that pick to get Marcus Mariota. It is mere speculation at this point, but everyone will link the two parties together until Kelly makes a move to say otherwise. Adding a receiver in free agent might be the best option the team has.
