It’s time for the Eagles to move on from Jalen Reagor

When Nick Sirianni was hired, many had hoped that he could unlock the hidden abilities of first-round selection Jalen Reagor, who struggled during his rookie season. Reagor has been subject to the scrutiny of the Philadelphia media because of Howie Roseman’s decision, which let Justin Jefferson fall to Minnesota a selection later.
Nick Sirianni has done a lot to improve Reagor, but nothing has worked, and he has become a net negative for this team. At this point, it’s time for the team to move on. There’s always a chance for Reagor to redeem himself, but it doesn’t seem likely to occur with the Eagles.
2021 has not been kind to Jalen Reagor whatsoever. The scrutiny reached a breaking point when Jalen Hurts targeted him wide open in the end zone twice in the closing minutes vs. the Giants, and Reagor couldn’t catch either. Since then, it has been a downward spiral for the sophomore wideout.
So far this season, Reagor ranks at the bottom of his draft class in almost every statistic. Among all receivers targeted 20% this season, Jalen Reagor is dead last in both yards and yards per reception. He has the third-lowest catching percentage and the second-worst receiving grade, according to PFF.
Compared to all starting receivers this season, Jalen Reagor ranks 101st out of 106 in yards, 104th out of 106th in YPC, and 99th out of 106 in receiving grades. It’s hard to defend this performance when it’s supplemented by attacking the fanbase on numerous occasions and a father who berates everyone who disagrees with his opinions on Twitter.
The deep routes aren’t working, the screen plays aren’t working, and the returns aren’t working. There isn’t much more that Sirianni can do to help bring their first-round pick to life. And to be fair, if it’s gotten to this point of desperation with that high of a selection in the second season, it’s a sign things aren’t going to end well. It’s great to give him chances to succeed, but when Jalen Reagor drops an open pass or muffs a punt attempt and nearly loses it, it sucks the life out of the team.
Reagor’s inability to play appropriately alongside Quez Watkins’ inexperience and development has led to DeVonta Smith being smothered by opposing defenses. Teams let Reagor go because they don’t fear him at all, and why should they? Not every top pick will work out, and the Eagles would be far better off giving John Hightower or someone else a shot at taking over.
It’ll be best for Jalen Reagor to grow in another city that won’t overanalyze his every move and can give him the time he needs to grow. There are several instances of this exact occurrence, and it’s not shocking that Reagor could be one of them. But for all intents and purposes, his tenure in Philadelphia needs to come to a close.
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Eagles