Jalen Reagor Is On The Move
Jalen Reagor has a new home. The Philadelphia Eagles have sent the much-maligned receiver to the Minnesota Vikings for some minor draft compensation. In an ironic twist of fate, he will be teammates with the other receiver that was sitting right in the Eagles’ faces in the 2020 Draft: Justin Jefferson. Here’s Adam Schefter with all the details:
I think it’s safe to say that a trade was widely needed for both sides. Reagor has been nothing short of public enemy #1 in Philly over the past few years. His career as an Eagle can be epitomized as dropped passes, incorrect route running, and a very rough time. For the team, Howie Roseman has spent two years now trying to fix the mistake he made with the 22nd overall pick. It was an absolutely befuddling decision, and one that is downright funny to some. He first tried to make amends by drafting Heisman winner Devonta Smith in 2021. Next came the blockbuster in the 2022 Draft that sent AJ Brown to Lincoln Financial Field.
Don’t get me wrong. AJ Brown is an excellent receiver who will help Jalen Hurts and the Philly offense. However, Jefferson has blossomed into one of the NFL’s best receivers in very short order. Reagor, on the other hand, has gone from the bottom of the totem pole to Jefferson’s new teammate. This could have all been avoided if Roseman used his brain and picked Jefferson two years ago. However, the Eagles will still be a very good team in 2022. So much so that many, including myself, see them as the favorites to win the NFC East over the Dallas Cowboys.
A Fresh Start
Reagor has done everything right heading into his NFL career. He can’t control where he gets drafted and what situation he gets put in. A simple fact is Philadelphia loves football. And they really love their Eagles. Another simple fact is Reagor should not have been picked at 22. He is in no way, shape, or form the 22nd best player from the 2020 Draft. The number of receivers better than him in that draft continue to grow year after year. Looking back, he is a second round talent at best. He has some athletic traits, but struggled catching passes from Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts. However, a new chapter could serve him well. You can say what you want about Kirk Cousins, but he can at least throw the ball to an extent.
In conclusion, Jalen Reagor’s time in Philadelphia was a failure. He couldn’t even break 400 yards or more than TWO touchdowns in a single season. There should be plenty of egg on the face of Howie Roseman here. However, kudos to him for actually getting a return. Two draft picks near the end of the draft for a first-round pick, however, is really bad. Especially considering the fact that they could have kept the picks and cap space they lost from AJ Brown for the future. Another big-name quarterback could want out. And if Justin Jefferson played for the Eagles there would be few destinations as enticing as that.
