October 24, 2016
One of the glaring weaknesses on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster is at the wide receiver spot, where they have suffered from drops and poor production. According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Eagles are interested in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith.
Per multiple sources, 49ers and Eagles have been discussing a trade for WR Torrey Smith. Deal is not currently imminent.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 25, 2016
Smith is similar to the types of wide receivers the Eagles brought in this past offseason, when they tried unsuccessfully to add a receiver who could take the top off a defense. They signed speedy receivers Chris Givens and T.J. Graham, who both ran a 4.41 40 at the 2012 Combine. Both Givens and Graham could not make the 53-man roster.
Smith fits the profile of a deep threat. He too ran a 4.41 at the 2011 NFL Combine, and has a 17.2 yards per catch average. However, unlike Givens and Graham, Smith has actual NFL production, having amassed 4,453 career receiving yards and 36 career TDs.
The Eagles don't currently have a deep threat opposing defenses have to respect. Smith could be a good fit for the Eagles' offense, giving Carson Wentz a legit vertical option in the passing game, while also opening things up underneath for players like Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz, and Darren Sproles.
Where Smith isn't such a great fit is his cost. Smith's base salary is $6,500,000 in each of the next three years. Add in roster and workout bonuses, and his yearly cap hit would be $8,000,000 per year.
Update: We now have a conflicting report from Matt Maiocco of CSN:
League source says #49ers are not shopping Torrey Smith nor is a trade anticipated. Trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 1. https://t.co/ZRqaNHX2cx
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 25, 2016
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