“I’m playing my best football right now”: Eagles new WR3 ready for fresh start in Philadelphia

The Eagles have one of the NFL’s top receiving duos in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but they’ll need other pass-catchers to step up as well. They’re hoping Parris Campbell can be that guy,

Philadelphia signed Campbell to a one-year deal in March, five years after they attempted to draft him in 2019. Campbell spent four seasons with the Colts (two of which while Nick Sirianni was offensive coordinator) before signing a one-year deal with the Giants last offseason.

The former Ohio State star ended his 2020 and 2021 seasons on injured reserve but bounced back in 2022, logging 63 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns.

Like much of the Giants’ offense last season, Campbell wasn’t much of a factor, but he’s confident that’ll change in Philadelphia.

“I’m willing to do whatever the team needs from me,” Campbell said via Dave Spadaro. “Just doing everything I can to get better every day, carve out a role for myself and be part of this team and this offense.

“I would say that I’m playing my best football right now, and it’s funny because I was having this conversation with my wife recently. My confidence is at an all-time high. I’m approaching the field differently now.

Being back with Nick and this offense – obviously Kellen [Moore] is bringing his twists to it, but I’m familiar with it. But being in a place where you know the offense, you’re healthy, I’ve got experience under my belt, and this locker room, it’s fun being here. I have a clear head and I’m just going out and playing and I’m happy and feeling it.”

Campbell ended his Giants tenure with 20 receptions for just 104 yards, a big letdown from a player they expected to be a consistent contributor. After being underutilized in New York, Campbell reunited with a familiar face within the division

“He knows how to utilize me as a player,” Campbell said of Sirianni. “He knows what my skills are. Being able to go in and carve out a role for myself, getting a fair shake, and just kind of going from there, I’ll take my chances any day of the week.”

Outside of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles’ next leading receiver last season was Olamide Zaccheaus with 164 yards. As talented as Brown and Smith are, that style of offense isn’t sustainable.

When healthy, Campbell’s route running and 4.3-speed are dangerous weapons in the slot. WR3s have historically played a vital role in Kellen Moore’s offenses — expect Campbell to see his fair share of targets in 2023.

Chef's kiss, Parris. 😘👌

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/7lzSHHxpQU

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 13, 2022

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images