- NFL free agency started on Monday, and, as expected, the Eagles were active. Most notably, they resigned wide receiver DeSean Jackson to a three-year contract.
Even though D-Jax has been a problem off the field in the past I like the move. The Birds needed a wide out who is fast and can stretch the field. Jackson will keep opposing defenses honest with his blazing speed. Defenses won't be able to play eight men in the box He gives the Eagles numerous weapons now, with Jeffery, Agholor and Ertz. Carson Wentz has lacked a home run hitter, someone who can score from anywhere on the field. Torrey Smith was that guy in 2017, Mike Wallace was supposed to be that guy last year until he got hurt.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks reportedly will sign a four-year deal with Arizona. Hicks is a good player but is often-injured. I can't blame the Eagles for not wanting to pay big money for Hicks. But now depth at linebacker is an issue.
Jason Peters resigned for another year. I guess GM Howie Rossman and Coach Doug Pederson must feel that one of their young offensive linemen aren't yet ready to take over for Peters at left tackle. Even at 37 Peters can still play but he must stay healthy.
Antonio Brown went to Oakland. Le'Vione Bell will end up with the jets. But the biggest surprise was the Giants trading wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland for a first round pick, a third rounder, and an established corner back from the browns.
So, the Giants allow Landon Collins to walk to Washington, they trade 23-year-old Beckham Jr, yet they keep 38-year old Eli Manning?
Good news for Philly. They won't have to game-plan for Beckham Jr. two times a season. He is out of their division, even out of the National Conference. What is New York thinking? I guess they had enough of his immature antics yet they trade away a young superstar?
Meanwhile, receiver Cole Beasley leaves Dallas for Buffalo. The Cowboys remain strangely quiet and inactive on the free agent front.
The Eagles still need to address their running back situation, either via the upcoming draft, free agency or both. Signing an experienced backup quarterback, like a Ryan Fitzpatrick, wouldn't be a bad idea either, especially with Wentz' past history of getting hurt.
The next few days and weeks should be interesting.
- The Sixers barely escaped losing to the dreadful Cleveland Cavaliers in South Philly last night, with guard Jimmy butler taking the night off. Too many turnover again was the Sixer story, as the team committed an unacceptable 21 turnovers. Will this team kick it into a higher gear by playoff time, or are they what they are?
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