Updated Trade Proposals To Move Jalen Reagor Out Of Town.
Jalen Reagor is not popular amongst Philadelphia Eagles fans.
Now, if I remove my glaring ‘Captain Obvious’ cape, we can analyze the reason for his disappointing NFL career thus far. The 2020 first round selection has been through it all.
Firstly, Reagor has personified a period of time that the Eagles have whiffed on multiple receiver prospects in the NFL Draft. The ineptitude of the front office in this period led to the selections of J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Jalen Reagor in consecutive drafts, with premium selections.
The former has transitioned to tight end in a desperate attempt to save any semblance of his career. The latter has underperformed, whilst being tethered in torment to the receiver selected right after him. Even without those comparative expectations, Reagor has vastly disappointed as a first round pick.
In this context, his statistics might not even tell just how underwhelming he has been. Reagor has racked up a pedestrian 695 yards receiving, three touchdowns and had five drops in his two seasons thus far. In his only playoff appearance, he somehow managed as many receiving yards as fumbles (two).
Reagor was drafted one spot ahead of Justin Jefferson. Yes, the Vikings wideout that has already cracked 3,000 yards and 17 scores, as well two Pro-Bowls already.
Sorry about the vinegar there. I didn’t need to do that. I really didn’t.
Therefore, perhaps it is best the Eagles explore some trade offers for wide receiver Jalen Reagor. We sure are going to do that. This is updated from our first batch of projected deals in April.
Let’s get into it.
Reagor Returns To Texas
Houston Texans Receive: Jalen Reagor, 2024 5th round selection
Philadelphia Eagles Receive: 2023 3rd round selection
The Philadelphia Eagles are approaching a critical time in their roster building. The 2022 NFL Offseason has seen the front office plug many of the holes that plagued their depth chart last season. As a result, the Eagles should be focused on injecting some youth at aging positions on the roster and supplementing existing strengths across the lineup.
In this hypothetical trade, Jalen Reagor returns to Texas, where he went to college at TCU. Furthermore, this allows the Eagles to not just cut their losses with their former first round selection, but also acquire another Day Two selection in next year’s draft.
Philadelphia’s receiving corps will not allow for Reagor to get significant reps, something that the downtrodden Texans will be able to provide as they wade through their rebuilding phase. Therefore, they may be the most willing to move back a year and two rounds in the draft in order to acquire a promising draft prospect. Their selections of Derek Stingley Jr. and John Metchie III displayed their willingness to take fliers on riskier prospects.
The Alabama rookie’s injury also allows room for Reagor to establish himself as a productive contributor amongst the Texans pass catchers. Metchie III suffered a torn ACL that could keep the promising young receiver out for a large portion of his rookie season.
This could allow Reagor to establish himself as a worthy option to contribute to the Texans, and rebuild his value across NFL teams as he approaches the conclusion of his rookie deal.
Falcon’s Take Reagor
Atlanta Falcons Receive: Jalen Reagor, 2024 7th round selection
Philadelphia Eagles Receive: Kaleb McGary
The Eagles must prepare for the eventual departure of Lane Johnson.
Philly’s offensive line was dominant last season. The Eagles boasted the top rushing offense in the entire NFL, whilst simultaneously allowing only 31 sacks for the year. The emergence of 25 year old Jordan Mailata as a standout left tackle only bolstered their 2022 season potential for repeating league leading offensive line play.
However, the Eagles must consider the future. Jason Kelce is seemingly entering his final campaign, taking on the job of mentoring Cam Jurgens to take his place as the anchor of the offensive line.
Similarly, Lane Johnson’s age must be considered. Last season, the stout right tackle did not allow a single sack despite playing 821 offensive snaps. Even more absurdly impressive, Johnson surrendered just eleven pressures and one quarterback hit. That is practically irreplaceable.
One way that the Eagles could circumvent the eventual hole on the right side of the line, is to draft a replacement in 2023, or transition first round selection Andre Dillard to the right side. Alternatively, they can take a chance on a disappointing first round pick, whilst setting free one of their own.
If anybody can realise the potential of 2019 first round selection, Kaleb McGary, it is Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. The renowned coach can provide tutelage to the 27 year old, and maximize his immense size across from the impressive Jordan Mailata. At 6’8″, 324 pounds, McGary has the stature to become an effective bulldozer. He achieved a solid 72.2 PFF run blocking grade and may be able to improve further under Stoutland.
Contrastingly, McGary has been poor as a pass protector. In his rookie season, McGary gave up an astounding 13 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 49 pressures. Last season, he surrendered nine sacks, 41 pressures and ten quarterback hits. He ended with a career low 50.6 PFF pass blocking rating, en route to becoming labeled a bust.
This trade, however, allows him the chance at maximizing his size in an ideal situation. With the suspension of superstar wideout Calvin Ridley, Jalen Reagor would enjoy the freedom of inflated targets and a shot at redemption on a rebuilding roster.
Jalen Packs His Bags?
Green Bay Packers Receive: Jalen Reagor, 2024 6th round selection
Philadelphia Eagles Receive: 2024 5th round selection
The Green Bay Packers don’t take first round receivers.
Even after dealing superstar receiver Davonte Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Green Bay Packers refuse to draft a first round wide receiver. Aaron Rodgers sat watching as six quality receivers were snagged ahead of his team’s first selection. What’s more is the Packers possessed two first round picks. He watched as teams frantically traded up to an almost comical level to snatch up pass catchers, whilst his front office opted to use both of those picks on Georgia defenders.
The second round of the draft saw the Packers finally get aggressive enough to trade up and select Christian Watson from North Dakota State, likely an immediate starter at season’s beginning. He joins the receiving corps of newly signed Sammy Watkins, second year pass catcher Amari Rodgers, veteran Allen Lazard and aging faithful Randall Cobb. The group does leave a little to be desired.
Jalen Reagor certainly doesn’t fix that.
But, if the Packers are attempting to plug the hole left by Adams with many pieces, he can potentially offer some value. The TCU product won’t be a star, but could potentially contribute in the presence of a surefire Hall Of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The back to back MVP can surely extract every ounce of potential out of the receiver, and give him the best opportunity to emerge as a valuable contributor worthy of a roster spot.
I mean, perhaps if they won’t draft a first round receiver, they’ll trade for one on the cheap?
Which of these deals would you like to see go down? Or would you like to see Jalen Reagor return for one final chance with the Eagles?
Let us know, in the comments below.
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