If you were the Eagles GM... (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Lots of chatter [seemingly every year] about the Eagles needing a WR to put them over the mythical hump. In years past, I've been against signing an aging free agent for two reasons. 1) It's not the way Philly rolls usually so why get excited about something unlikely to happen. 2) I like the idea of building around youth and locking them up contractually in their primes.

But objectively I think the Eagles, as currently constituted, have a small window left to compete for a title. Could be this year. Could be two or three years. But it's not a long time. And I honestly believe that, if the Eagles don't get a SB ring in the next two or three years, Andy Reid will not be around for a rebuilding plan [either he'll decide to go elsewhere or Lurie will want a whole fresh approach].

Point being, I'm much less averse to the idea of Philly signing a veteran WR now than I've been in the past. Because realistically if someone like Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt only have a year or two left, who cares? That's all this team has left IMHO.

But my opinion is just one of many. I want to hear yours.

So I've mapped out some scenarios that have been bandied about in a poll. Assume for the sake of this poll that financial issues are not at hand. Acquiring any player in this poll would NOT inhibit the Eagles ability to do anything else with the roster it wants to.

 

[todisco1]

If I could get Boldin for a 2nd rounder of course I'd choose that, but I don't think they'd part with him for that.

Provided Holt can pass a physical, I'd sign him in a second. He can be the possession type, run great intermediate routes while D Jackson burns people deep.

 

[Zoomanji]

If I could get Boldin for a 2nd rounder of course I'd choose that, but I don't think they'd part with him for that. Provided Holt can pass a physical, I'd sign him in a second. He can be the possession type, run great intermediate routes while D Jackson burns people deep.

Boldin, even for a 1st would work for me.And Holt if healthy would be good.Nothing else is an upgrade over where we are now.

 

[gonzobill5]

Lots of chatter [seemingly every year] about the Eagles needing a WR to put them over the mythical hump. In years past, I've been against signing an aging free agent for two reasons. 1) It's not the way Philly rolls usually so why get excited about something unlikely to happen. 2) I like the idea of building around youth and locking them up contractually in their primes.

But objectively I think the Eagles, as currently constituted, have a small window left to compete for a title. Could be this year. Could be two or three years. But it's not a long time. And I honestly believe that, if the Eagles don't get a SB ring in the next two or three years, Andy Reid will not be around for a rebuilding plan [either he'll decide to go elsewhere or Lurie will want a whole fresh approach].

Point being, I'm much less averse to the idea of Philly signing a veteran WR now than I've been in the past. Because realistically if someone like Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt only have a year or two left, who cares? That's all this team has left IMHO.

But my opinion is just one of many. I want to hear yours.

So I've mapped out some scenarios that have been bandied about in a poll. Assume for the sake of this poll that financial issues are not at hand. Acquiring any player in this poll would NOT inhibit the Eagles ability to do anything else with the roster it wants to.

I can respect your opinion here, but I'd like to point out that I've been hearing this since 04 and it doesn't seem to be coming to fruition. Reid successfully rebuilt the defense in a pretty short time without taking a huge step back, and there's no reason to think he can't do the same with the offense as McNabb, Westbrook, and the Offensive Line leave. I didn't think the Anquan for a 2nd rounder was realistic, so I voted stand pat or take a chance on Reggie Williams. I can't really defend that second choice - I just see him as a perpetual underachiever that might blossom in the right situation.

 

[Darth Cheney]

I'm not even sure of the mission plan of the team this year....so I don't have a clue. It seems like every team in that division has gotten significantly better...with the Eagles standing pat. I know any team in the Eagles situation would tell the fan base that the Super Bowl was their goal.....but for some reason the offseason moves don't reflect that. They reflect more of a holding pattern year.

 

[SuperJohn96]

IMHO, at some point they have to make a move to put them over the top.

Unless they like just being in the mix and that's it.

They did it with Terrel, and for one season it worked. They need to try again.

 

[Big 'N Tasty]

IMHO, at some point they have to make a move to put them over the top.Unless they like just being in the mix and that's it.They did it with Terrel, and for one season it worked. They need to try again.

Good info here. Isn't that the point of this thread, that they need to do something? I say they need to give up whatever they need to to get Boldin.

 

[PatsWillWin]

A lot of times, the posters here as a whole, have a problem differentiating between fantasy football and real football, and just want all of these name-players to get traded to awesome fantasy situations, when it's not really a wise or realistic NFL move.

This is not one of those cases. I think the Eagles would be crazy to not add one of Harrison, Holt, or Boldin. Obviously Boldin is the best option, but I really think he would cost at least a 1st, and I think adding Harrison or Holt and keeping both 1sts would be a better option.

I don't get to watch Holt play that much, but Harrison I thought actually looked pretty good at times last season, and I think his release was a $ thing.

Assuming I'm not way off about how much Holt has in the tank, I think that signing one of those two, and drafting a 1st round WR, would be a great way to go.

 

[omahabrad]

I think Harrison would be a waste of money.

Holt would be a good veteran presence for their wr's, if healthy

I think Jones holds the most reward, if you could keep him out of trouble. Would cost you pennies. If he played a whole season last year would have had about 85 catches and a 1000 yards and that was with Garrard throwing to him.

 

[Moniker]

I think Harrison would be a waste of money. Holt would be a good veteran presence for their wr's, if healthy I think Jones holds the most reward, if you could keep him out of trouble. Would cost you pennies. If he played a whole season last year would have had about 85 catches and a 1000 yards and that was with Garrard throwing to him.

Their best move would be one or two of these guys. All are upgrades over what they currently have. Jackson is quick, but small, and took people by surprise last season... it's not going to happen again. He's a slot receiver and Philly needs to find a way to keep him there.

 

[az_prof]

I don't see any of those FAs really helping them. I think Harrison has lost a step and is pretty average now. Holt's knee issue scares me. Jones? He has never been that good that I would want to take a chance on team Chemistry and bring a guy like him in. Jones should go somewhere like NE or Miami where there is strong leadership.

I don't think they will be able to get a WR who make an immediate impact. Boldin would complement what they have very well. He becomes your WR1, possession guy--the guy McNabb can count on to move the chains. Put Curtis at WR2 and Jackson in the slot where he is very dangerous. That would be a very good WR corps. It is easily worth a first round pick, which is as likely to bust as be good. First round WRs seem to have at least a 50% bust rate. I would rather take the sure thing. Boldin has at least four years left.

 

[vinwinephans]

I'm not buying the 1-2-3 year window thing, unless you are talking about McNabb and Westy...

This team is constantly rebuilding from underneath, even if the younger players taking over are not as good as the vets they replace. They are young and while most are moved slow to start, when they do get to play, it's play and learn fast.

I think this year you see Westy's replacement get drafted - it has to happen. Westbrook is 30 with bad knees. THIS YEAR MIGHT BE HIS LAST CHANCE.

Replacing McNabb without a hitch will be the hardest hurdle and that may close the window for a year in terms of the offense being able to carry the team, but of the Eagles office is smart, they will compensate on defense during that time frame.

In the end, this all boils down to me, playing GM, not wanting to bring a Marvin Harrison or Tory Holt in. I like what I saw from the guys we had last year.

I would add Boldin for a 1st - no more, so I voted a 2nd, but not a first since a 1st no more was not an option. I don't want to break the bank for a single player. I'd rather use those picks on other areas of need - say RB (or 2), O and D Line, potentially TE, FB and DB's. To me, WR is not the biggest area of need. I know we all like the glamour and glitz of having a fantasy WR stud on OUR team, but it's not the biggest need.

Give Donovan all the time he needs to throw and find the open reciever and if he is the QB he thinks he is, he should be able to make every player on the team a weapon. I think this is how the FO sees it and frankly, I don't disagree.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Philly will draft a WR in Day 2; they gone to the NFC Championship 5 Times in 10 yrs... only one yr did they have a dominate WR. And it took them about 2 yr to recover from the TO mess; I highly doubt they bring in a Top WR like Boldin... they may sign one of the lower guys.

 

[travdogg]

I think Boldin would be a great idea. The most I'd give up is the late 1st and a 3rd rounder or the earlier 1st and a 4th rounder.

Signing Torry Holt wouldn't be a bad idea if they think his decline was more of a product of St. Louis being awful then Holt losing it.

Harrison should probably not even be a blip and likely wouldn't be if he didn't live in Philly. Didn't his alleged shooting happen in Philly? Can't imagine that would be a good PR move. He's done in my opinion.

Matt Jones would be very interesting, he seemed to really make a leap last season and would give the Eagles the big WR they lack, but who knows what his status will be next season. If he doesn't get suspended I'd like to see him in Philly.

Basically my order would go:

Boldin

Jones

Holt

Nothing

Other options

Harrison

 

[Holland Freeze]

If the price is right I would like to see attempts made to sign Holt, Harrison AND Jones while also spending a pick for the future on the position as well (not the 1st though).

Holt and Harrison may take less to go to a team that is contending and if approached in tandem they may be willing to take a little less as the teams chances improve dramatically and the opportunity to get back at their old teams this year may be just the spark plug they each need.

With the signing of the other 2 that would makes Jones like your #5 WR - nice insurance if he can clean up his act. Compared to some of the problems players are facing coke may be at the minor end now. I would not say that if the follow up infraction was for the same problem but having a beer on the golf course seems a sufficient upgrade to take a chance... again if the price is right.

With Holt and Harrison up there someone has to be drafted to prepare for what is next.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I chose trade 1st for Boldin and sign Holt. They have enough young talent that they could trade a 1st and not hurt themselves. Sign Holt for 2 yrs and a deal that would allow you to cut him after 2 yrs and make your run now. Could you imagine if DMac actually had 2 WR's that could actually catch the ball and contribute consistantly? It makes too much sense, so it won't happen...they will stand pat and do nada.

 

[renesauz]

I had some trouble voting here. I initially liked Boldin for a second option...but that's unrealistic, a dream scenario which isn't happening. Then I had Boldin for a first (+) checked, but how much is the plus???? I know you said $$ wasn't a factor, but it is. EVen if it wasn't...what's the +???? Another first? A second with that first?

In the end I checked stand pat. Harrison and Holt really don't bring anything but more depth...they are no longer the WR1 Philly fans are begging for. Jacksonville rejects re even more laughable...they aren't even starting caliber depth. SOme are looking for a better RZ threat, but Baskett made strides in that area last year, and the bigger limitation was at TE anyway.

IN the end...Boldin is the only potential option to look at, at a price of a first, but not a first +++. If that's not there (and it probably isn't), then the clear answer is to stand pat.

 

[inzanitee]

It would drive me crazy If I were a Philly fan to see the team sit around and not try and upgrade their WRs. They're not horrible, DeSean and Curtis are good players, but I don't think Curtis is a viable #2 really. If I'm the Eagles I bring in Holt, *maybe* Boldin for a 1st, though I'd be a bit leery because he's been a big distraction in Zona, and do they really want another loudmouth WR on the team after the Owens fiasco?

Go Holt, he has a couple of years left. I see no reason to not at least explore the option.

 

[Buffaloes]

I said trade (1st maybe more) for Boldin and sign Harrison (reunite the Syracuse connection w/ McNabb). If they do no trade for Boldin, I think they should grab a WR with one of their 1sts. Philly's offense went to another level with TO. It's mind boggling how they have pretty much ignored the WR position until they drafted Jackson last year.

 

[Banger]

My order would probably be....

Sign Holt - not that he's a better player than Boldin but you'd pay him less and wouldn't have to give up a valuable 1st rounder (this is assuming his knee is ok). It would also enable you to take a WR with the 1st if they so choose.

trade for Boldin - I'd give a 1st for him.

I wouldn't touch Jones...are Hackett/Williams any better than Curtis? I imagine that in Harrison's mind he's still good and might cost a bit of money but if you can get him cheap he may not be a bad option to pick up some 1st downs but I don't view him as a difference maker at all at this point.

My 2 cents....

 

[omahabrad]

I'm not sure how you can select stand pat when the division is as tough as it is. When everyone else in the division has made themselves better through free agency they are doing nothing. If they select wr's in the draft most likle they aren't going to make an impact their first year. for every D jackson there's about 5 Reggie Browns.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I really don't know why they wouldn't go after Boldin. They have the picks to do it no problem.

I realize it would be expensive, but when they added a great WR they had the best year they've had during the current era. Now they can get a guy to do the same without all the headache associated with having TO on your team.

 

[SuperJohn96]

IMHO, at some point they have to make a move to put them over the top.Unless they like just being in the mix and that's it.They did it with Terrel, and for one season it worked. They need to try again.

Good info here. Isn't that the point of this thread, that they need to do something? I say they need to give up whatever they need to to get Boldin.

Well, since "Stand pat, do nothing" was an option, I suppose I was more commenting that they needed to make a move, and that doing nothing was a horrible idea.But I wasn't clear.I also don't know what the right answer would be, but their window to win the SB has to be closing (it can't stay open forever) so I guess if I was the GM, I would sell the heaven and stars to get a super elite upper tier WR like Boldin.Holt would be Plan "B".

 

[stevegamer]

It's really simple. The Eagles can use an upgrade at WR. They have able to use one for a while, and their ability to draft htem is questionable:

Freddie Mitchell - bust

DeSean Jackson - good so far

Reggie Brown - okay depth guy

I won't go down the draft order, because those are the big 3 they've drafted.

Mutliple good WR's is a nice kind of problem. This team has been making do with sub-par WR & TE for a long time - example #1: LJ Smith.

I'd be willing to do any of the following:

Give up a 1st+ something not major for Boldin. He's a different kind of WR than they have now, and forces teams inot a coverage dilemma.

Take a shot at Williams or Hackett. If they don't pan out, they aren't getting big dollars, and they each have shown flashes at the NFL level.

Sign Holt to a reasonable 2-year deal, and see what he's got.

Sign Harrison to a reasonable 1-year deal, and see what he's got.

Draft a WR after round 1. OL & RB need to be addressed more, and round 1 would be nice for that.

I don't have a problem with a combination of these, although I wouldn't likely sign Holt & Harrison.

 

[Two Deep]

I'd add Torry Holt, trade for Tony Scheffler and draft a receiver in the 3rd or 4th round. My receiving starting line up would be

Holt

Jackson

Curtis -slot

Scheffler

Looks good too me.

 

[Postradamus]

Ocho Cinco for Trent Cole

any takers?

 

[massraider]

Torry Holt seems like the easiest, lowest risk move to me.

I don't think a 1 gets it done for Boldin, I think the re-signing of Warner means that the Cards are gonna make him stay, and take one more shot with the current roster. Boldin gets moved next year, is my uneducated guess.

I still think the passing game works just fine, and a #1 WR isn't their biggest need.

 

[Lehigh98]

Trade a 1st rounder [and more] for Anquan Boldin [ 42 ] [21.00%] Trade a 2nd rounder [but not a 1st] for Boldin [ 23 ] [11.50%]

19 people would trade a first for Boldin but not a 2nd? Arizona Fans?

 

[stevegamer]

Trade a 1st rounder [and more] for Anquan Boldin [ 42 ] [21.00%] Trade a 2nd rounder [but not a 1st] for Boldin [ 23 ] [11.50%]

19 people would trade a first for Boldin but not a 2nd? Arizona Fans?

I assumed these were mutuall exclusive. Since I'd trade a 1st, trading a "2nd - but not a 1st" didn't apply.

 

[travdogg]

I'd add Torry Holt, trade for Tony Scheffler and draft a receiver in the 3rd or 4th round. My receiving starting line up would beHoltJacksonCurtis -slotSchefflerLooks good too me.

That looks good to me too. Scheffler would be a great fit in that offense since he's basically a much more athletic Celek.I'm warming to the Torry Holt idea. Still prefer Boldin, but Holt would likely be cheaper and obviously not cost a high draft pick.

 

[Jason Wood]

Trade a 1st rounder [and more] for Anquan Boldin [ 42 ] [21.00%] Trade a 2nd rounder [but not a 1st] for Boldin [ 23 ] [11.50%]

19 people would trade a first for Boldin but not a 2nd? Arizona Fans?

I assume many people are viewing it as either or...if you checked 1st rounder, it's implicit you would give up a 2nd rounder were that too an option.

 

[dotman]

I'd like them to give Matt Jones a look....the guy obviously slacked off his first couple years in the league but reports were out before last season that he dedicated himself and when I saw him play that was obvious, he was much improved especially his route running. It was known he was a major project coming into the league so going for 63 yards a game in his 4th season, when the JAC line was horrible, is pretty good. Now I would make sure he was still committed to football and want to know his attitude about his legal troubles, if he gave off any notion that he was a victim I might stay away, but if it appeared he wanted to move on and prove himself, give him a contract with lots of incentives and if he screws up then cut him. It seems low-risk, high-reward to me.

 

[renesauz]

I said trade (1st maybe more) for Boldin and sign Harrison (reunite the Syracuse connection w/ McNabb). If they do no trade for Boldin, I think they should grab a WR with one of their 1sts. Philly's offense went to another level with TO. It's mind boggling how they have pretty much ignored the WR position until they drafted Jackson last year.

They didn't acxtually ignore the position though. CUrtis was the best available when they grabbed him as a FA. Brown was a very high pick, and this past year they took Jackson fairly high. They haven't ignored the position at all...they just consistantly hit singles and doubles at the Wr position.

 

[Fiddles]

I'd like them to give Matt Jones a look....the guy obviously slacked off his first couple years in the league but reports were out before last season that he dedicated himself and when I saw him play that was obvious, he was much improved especially his route running. It was known he was a major project coming into the league so going for 63 yards a game in his 4th season, when the JAC line was horrible, is pretty good. Now I would make sure he was still committed to football and want to know his attitude about his legal troubles, if he gave off any notion that he was a victim I might stay away, but if it appeared he wanted to move on and prove himself, give him a contract with lots of incentives and if he screws up then cut him. It seems low-risk, high-reward to me.

reid has some experience with kids on drugs

 

[Jason Wood]

I'd like them to give Matt Jones a look....the guy obviously slacked off his first couple years in the league but reports were out before last season that he dedicated himself and when I saw him play that was obvious, he was much improved especially his route running. It was known he was a major project coming into the league so going for 63 yards a game in his 4th season, when the JAC line was horrible, is pretty good. Now I would make sure he was still committed to football and want to know his attitude about his legal troubles, if he gave off any notion that he was a victim I might stay away, but if it appeared he wanted to move on and prove himself, give him a contract with lots of incentives and if he screws up then cut him. It seems low-risk, high-reward to me.

reid has some experience with kids on drugs

Now, now.

 

[Postradamus]

I'd like them to give Matt Jones a look....the guy obviously slacked off his first couple years in the league but reports were out before last season that he dedicated himself and when I saw him play that was obvious, he was much improved especially his route running. It was known he was a major project coming into the league so going for 63 yards a game in his 4th season, when the JAC line was horrible, is pretty good. Now I would make sure he was still committed to football and want to know his attitude about his legal troubles, if he gave off any notion that he was a victim I might stay away, but if it appeared he wanted to move on and prove himself, give him a contract with lots of incentives and if he screws up then cut him. It seems low-risk, high-reward to me.

reid has some experience with kids on drugs

:golfclap:

 

[gonzobill5]

Ocho Cinco for Trent Coleany takers?

worst trade ever.

 

[Birdie048]

I grew up in South Philly.... loved going over to the Vet for games with Ron Jaws & company!

Now, they are not the same beast of years gone by. They are frugal and conservative when it comes to off season moves. The TO adventure is still not fully healed and they remember it.

Of the names available, I think Boldin would be the best choice (youth & ability), but the "cost" would be pretty high. If I could get him for a 2nd rounder and a decent 4 yr contract, I would do it (needs some back end bonus $$)

Holt has limited shelf life left due to his knees. He woudl be a great addition to "mentor" the young talent there now. He is an immediate upgrade to the passing game. I can see a 2 yr deal offer on the table soon.

Marvin was a top notch WR in a high powered offense. WAS. Philyy is not the same aerial offense as Indy. He is still a talent higher than most (if not all) of the current Phlly WR's. However, I don't see him mentoring the current WR corp and his off field issue is in Philly and has a potential black eye for the organization they would rather avoid.

Matt Jones = cheap, talent, in need of a 2nd chance. Get him for a 3-4 yr deal with incentives and back end bonuses, with no real signing/guaranteed $$ up front offers them a lot of value. Give him a chance to prove his value and you have a nice addition.

Boldin - 2nd roound pick & 4 yr deal

Mat Jones - cheap deal

Holt - 2 yr deal

Plus I would take a WR with the later of the 2 First Round picks or a 2nd round pick this year!!