In need of WR help, Eagles can find perfect trade partner in AFC South

Ryan OLeary

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In need of WR help, Eagles can find perfect trade partner in AFC South image

You could argue that the Philadelphia Eagles have the best wide receiver combo in the NFL in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. That doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t be aggressive in their pursuit of a dependable WR3 before the season opener against Green Bay in Brazil.

The depth behind the Eagles’ top-two stars is questionable at best. Parris Campbell was signed to a one-year deal this offseason, but he’s been slowed by a groin injury during training camp. John Ross, who just came out of retirement, got banged up in the preseason win over the Patriots. The Eagles have some intriguing young talent in Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson, but a dependable No. 3 wide receiver? That remains a serious need.

One AFC South team would represent the perfect trade partner for GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles.

The Houston Texans have three sure-fire starters in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and enough depth behind them where a trade would make sense before roster cut-down day. NFL analyst Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com recently named 10 NFL players who could be traded next, and Houston’s Robert Woods made the list. The Colts, Eagles and 49ers were named potential best fits.

“An aging possession receiver,” Benjamin wrote of the 32-year-old Woods, “he may not have a massive market, but his reliable catch rate for multiple clubs suggests he can still be an effective plug-and-play safety valve.”

Woods would be a solid addition in Philly, but he’s not the only option currently on the Texans’ roster.

Noah Brown, formerly of the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys, would instantly improve the Eagles’ wide receiver depth. He caught 33 passes in just 10 games with Houston last season, and his familiarity with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore would be an added bonus. 

John Metchie III is another gettable receiver currently buried on Houston’s depth chart. He’s yet to fully pop in his NFL career, but he’s a 24-year-old former second-round pick who’s bursting with potential. 

The Eagles are on the short list of Super Bowl contenders this season. Shoring up depth behind Brown and Smith at wide receiver should be among their top priorities.

Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.