Getty The Eagles could consider trading for Seahawks WR Dee Eskridge.
The Philadelphia Eagles could look to upgrade several positions, including wide receiver, before the start of training camp in July, according to The Athletic’s Bo Wulf.
In his June 27 “summer shopping guide,” Wulf pointed to Seattle Seahawks receiver Dee Eskridge as a possible trade target.
“At 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, he has just 17 catches for 122 yards in two seasons and looks out of the picture after Seattle drafted Jaxon Smith-Njigba to complement DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett,” Wulf wrote.
Eskridge was drafted in the second round out of Western Michigan in 2021, but he has just one touchdown in 20 appearances in his two seasons.
Why Seahawks Could Trade Dee Eskridge
The Eagles are cemented at the top two receivers spots with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, the other receiver spots are up for grabs, as returnee Quez Watkins will battle it out with free agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 receiver job. Considering Watkins disappointed last season as the slot receiver — just 33 receptions for 354 yards — it’s clear Philadelphia is looking to upgrade at the No. 3 spot.
This is where Eskridge could potentially find a role in Philadelphia if the Eagles make a play for him.
With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett locked in as Seattle’s top two receivers, Eskridge’s best scenario is likely as the Seahawks’ fourth receiver on the depth chart.
Eskridge has two years left on his rookie contract with roughly $3.5 million owed. If the Seahawks were to trade Eskridge, they would save $2.7 million over the next two seasons combined. The dead cap hit would be under $900,000. In other words, Eskridge is expendable.
Why Eagles Could Use Dee Eskridge
Despite his lackluster resume, Eskridge does have speed. In fact, he ran the 40-yard-dash from his Pro Day prior to the draft in 4.40 seconds. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, he proved to be versatile, seeing playing time as a receiver, cornerback and kick returner. He actually led all FBS players with 213 all-purpose yards per game during the 2020 season.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report of Eskridge prior to the draft that he has “gadget potential.”
“He’s not a great route-runner, will struggle with contested catches and lacks desired size, but he can really fly and has home run potential from anywhere on the field,” Zierlein wrote. “Eskridge is a linear route-runner with good tempo when working down the field but will need a more limited route tree featuring crossing routes, slants, posts and over routes so he can rely on his speed rather than route-running. He can rise up and get the tall throws but catching through contact is where he is likely to struggle. He has gadget potential in the quick game and is a potentially dangerous kick returner, but his biggest selling point might be as a field stretcher from the slot.”
If the Seahawks decide Smith-Njigba is ready for substantial playing time, Seattle could shop Eskridge during the preseason. It’s worth noting that it was only as recently as last preseason when the Seahawks and Eagles pulled off a trade. In fact, Philadelphia traded wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside — another disappointing former second-round pick at receiver — for cornerback Ugo Amadi.
If the Eagles are aggressive in looking for another receiver, don’t be surprised if the two NFC squads make another preseason trade.