May 03, 2018
The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday evening that they signed wide receiver Markus Wheaton. According to a source, it is a veteran minimum deal.
Wheaton's career was on an upward trajectory heading into the 2016 season:
| Markus Wheaton | Rec | Yards | YPC | TD |
| 2013 (Steelers) | 6 | 64 | 10.7 | 0 |
| 2014 (Steelers) | 53 | 644 | 12.2 | 2 |
| 2015 (Steelers) | 44 | 749 | 17.0 | 5 |
| 2016 (Steelers) | 4 | 51 | 12.8 | 1 |
| 2017 (Bears) | 3 | 51 | 17.0 | 0 |
A highlight reel from 2015, Wheaton's best season:
In Wheaton's contract season in 2016, he had a lingering shoulder injury and was placed on IR after appearing in only three games. During the 2017 offseason, Wheaton signed with the Chicago Bears on a two-year deal worth $11 million, and $6 million guaranteed.
The Bears didn't get their money's worth. Wheaton had an emergency appendectomy in training camp, and struggled with finger and groin injuries, though he did appear in 11 games. He was released after just one season.
If Wheaton can stay healthy, he does have some intriguing measurables:
Wheaton's fit with the Eagles is probably in the slot, though his roster spot is far from a certainty. Here's an updated look at the Eagles' depth chart at receiver:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| WR1 | Alshon Jeffery | Mack Hollins | Marquess Wilson | |
| WR2 | Mike Wallace | Shelton Gibson | Bryce Treggs | Dom Williams |
| Slot WR | Nelson Agholor | Markus Wheaton | Greg Ward | Rashard Davis |
As a low-cost flier, Wheaton makes sense for the Eagles as some added depth with upside.
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