NFL Rumors: Eagles named as top landing spot for free agent WR3

The Eagles didn’t get much wide receiver production behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith last season.

Brown and Smith combined for an impressive 2,522 receiving yards in 2023. The next highest total from a receiver was Olamide Zaccheaus, who had 164 yards. While HC Nick Sirianni has stated on numerous occasions their offense runs through three players (Brown, Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert), that isn’t a stable recipe for success.

The lack of depth was apparent in the Wild Card matchup when Philadelphia was without Brown due to a knee injury. Tampa Bay keyed in on DeVonta Smith and the Eagles couldn’t find a rhythm.

Fourth-year player Quez Watkins failed to step up, forcing the Eagles to sign veteran Julio Jones midseason. While Jones provided a spark in a few games, the patch job at WR3 throughout the year was largely inefficient.

PFF has linked Philadelphia to a potential solution.

 WR TYLER BOYD, CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Eagles’ lack of wide receiver depth has been an under-appreciated shortcoming for several years now, which is understandable given they have one of the game’s elite duos in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, but we saw in the playoff game against the Buccaneers how precipitously that depth chart drops off.

Boyd brings in a sure-handed slot receiver that Jalen Hurts can get the ball out to quickly, not always having to buy himself time waiting for a downfield route to develop, which was certainly not always his fault.

Nick Sirianni’s Colts roots have historically prioritized a slot that can catch passes underneath and run block, for example bringing Zach Pascal along with him from Indianapolis. Boyd obviously offers much more as a pass-catcher as well.

Boyd, 29, has recorded 600+ receiving yards in seven of his eight seasons in Cincinatti. He notched consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019 before finding his role alongside star wideouts Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Boyd hauled in 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

Per Spotrac, Boyd’s market value is projected at roughly $8.7M — a two-year, $17M deal doesn’t seem out of Howie Roseman’s price range.

Although he is getting older, Tyler Boyd would be a reliable pass-catcher as Jalen Hurts looks to return to MVP form with new OC Kellen Moore.

Tyler Boyd making some big plays in his home state.

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— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Cincinnati Bengals