Linked to most of the upper-echelon receivers this offseason, the Eagles are now exploring the middle tier of the market. After adding the recently released Torrey Smith, Philadelphia is still on the hunt for veteran receiving help and is looking into several options — including Markus Wheaton, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets.
Wheaton did not enjoy a productive contract year but made a splash previously as Antonio Brown‘s sidekick in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. He averaged 696.5 yards in those campaigns before losing most of his 2016 slate due to a shoulder injury that sent him to IR.
The Eagles remain involved in an Alshon Jeffery pursuit as well, joining other teams in that regard, but have barely $6MM in cap space. Wheaton would profile as a player who would fit that cost structure and potentially do so on a short-term deal to rebuild his value. The Steelers and Wheaton did not make progress on a re-up in the days leading up to free agency.
I think he’d be a good low/risk high reward guy. He’s the type of guy they should be targeting. I think there 2-3 years away from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders with Wentz. Buy guys like this to hold the place of WR’s you can draft and develop.
He is Emanuel Sanders, pt 2. As a Steeler fan I hate losing him, but whaddaya gonna do? You can’t keep everyone.
Wheaton never took the leap forward that Sanders did. I’m content with the development I saw from Rogers, Ayers, and Hamilton that I can let Wheaton go. Hopefully he gets a good sized contract and the Steelers can recoup a better compensatory pick next year.