Marquise Goodwin, Philadelphia Eagles WR, has opted out of the 2020 NFL season. The 29-year old identified his family as the primary driving force for his decision. Goodwin is now part of a growing list of NFL players who are choosing to sit out this season.
The Eagles had a hard time keeping receivers on the field in 2019. This season has not even started and it is not showing better promise. Alshon Jeffery will start the season on the PUP list as he rehabs a late-season injury from 2019. DeSean Jackson is presumably healthy, but that is always a shaky premise. Who can step up now that the team’s receiving corps is quickly dwindling?
Two names are worth mentioning:
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Arcega-Whiteside is heading into his second year as a pro after a disappointing rookie year. He recorded just 10 receptions for 169 yards and 1 TD in 2019. The Stanford product has potential, but he was never able to show it during his rookie year.
The Eagles drafted Arcega-Whiteside and then buried him deep in their depth chart. This disregard hindered his practice reps and development. Heading into a season where the 23-year old could be filling the X role, this is going to be a great opportunity for the young receiver.
Arcega-Whiteside will either take the snaps and secure the job from the likes of Alshon Jeffery or he will prove that he is not cut out for the NFL. Either way, the door is wide open for him.
Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor is the other name to remember. The eventual successor to DeSean Jackson, Reagor is in for a huge workload as a rookie. His speed and quickness earned him success at TCU. His hands are the primary culprit for why he fell a bit in the draft.
Reagor will be asked to fill in beyond the slot role. He will need to learn how to burn star cornerbacks on the outside while securing the football on every play. Depending on how quickly the rookie can develop, he could easily make a case for retaining a starting position at some point this season.
The Eagles are not unfamiliar with broken plans and disappointment. They are also familiar with improvisation and backup plans. Their receiver position will certainly need that creativity this season.
