The Philadelphia Eagles made a big trade for running back Jay Ajayi, and now they need to trade for Calvin Johnson.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been building their team like it is a game of Madden. Howie Roseman and company have been the most aggressive front office in football. They made a trade that changed the entire franchise in the 2016 NFL Draft to get quarterback Carson Wentz. They signed Alshon Jeffery and LeGarrette Blount to add to their offense.
And now, they traded for Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi. The former Dolphins running back continues a trend that Roseman and the Eagles have been following. They are building for the future while also filling holes now.
Trading for Ajayi is a great move, but the Eagles can make an even better one if they trade for former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson is currently retired, but there have been reports that teams have contacted the Lions about trading for his rights. Another report suggested that the Eagles were the ones trying to get him (via Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice).
It makes sense, and it is something the Eagles should do. If Johnson wants to return to football, the Eagles need to get him. The price does need to be right (nothing more than a 4th round pick), but Roseman is a wizard when it comes to trades.
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Many people will say the Eagles do not need Johnson, and they are right, they do not NEED him. However, if you can add one of the best wide receivers ever to play the game, why wouldn’t you? Yes, they have Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz. Add in slot receiver Nelson Agholor to that mix. Even rookie Mack Hollins. It makes sense that people think the Eagles don’t need to add Johnson.
But think about this: The Eagles come out in a base offense, one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers. That would look like this: Johnson and Jeffery as the outside receivers, Agholor in the slot, Ertz at tight end (either split out or on the line), and Ajayi in the backfield. Then you add Wentz is the quarterback and good luck to a defense.
The defense would have to come out in a sub-package to stop the pass, but then Ajayi will have running lanes. If they want to stack the box to stop the run with three linebackers on the field, good luck stopping the pass. Adding Johnson to their offense, on paper, would make them impossible to defend.
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There is no doubt the Eagles a team that can win the Super Bowl. Adding Johnson after adding Ajayi makes them the Super Bowl favorite in my eyes. Roseman has been aggressive, and if he wants to put the cherry on top, the Eagles now need to make a move for one of the best receivers ever to play in the NFL.