Draft bust Jalen Reagor shipped to Minnesota
PHILADELPHIA >> Eagles firstround bust Jalen Reagor has a date with destiny after being traded to the Minnesota Vikings for the paltry return of a couple of day-three draft picks.
In Minnesota, Reagor will team up with Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, who was so outraged the Birds passed on him to draft Reagor that he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The stories they can tell each other.
The Eagles shipped the underachieving Reagor, who they took off the board with the 21st pick in the 2020 draft, to the Vikings for a 2023 seventh-round pick and a 2024 conditional pick. That would basically be a fourthrounder that becomes a fifthrounder if Reagor fails to meet unspecified statistical marks.
“I’m happy for him,” said wide receiver DeVonta Smith, drafted in the top 10 the year after Reagor fizzled. “A fresh start for him, go out there and I hope he does his thing. I feel like some people need a change of scenery. If that’s what works out best for him, like I said, I’m happy for him.”
It’s the second time this offseason the Eagles sent a wide receiver bust to the team that drafted the guy they should have snagged. JJ Arcega-Whiteside was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks, where he was teammates, albeit briefly, with fellow second-rounder DK Metcalf, a rising star. JJAW was cut by the Seahawks.
Jefferson was the 22nd pick in the 2020 draft, and he’s been a workhorse for the Vikings. It helps to have an accurate quarterback in Kirk Cousins, who has connected on 67 percent of his throws in his career.
The trade is a major statement by the Eagles. It basically says you can’t stick around if you don’t prove yourself worthy of the investment. It also is proof that the Birds can say you’ve worked hard and deserve another chance one day, as Howie Roseman did Tuesday, and be sent on your way the next.
• • •
The Eagles claimed quarterback Ian Book (6-0, 206) off waivers from the Saints, giving the 2021 fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame another chance to show what he can do.
Book started one game last year, completing 12 of 20 attempts for 135 yards with two interceptions in a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins.
To make room for book, underachieving linebacker Davion Taylor was released.
The Eagles had two players claimed off waivers — offensive lineman Jack Anderson by the Giants and defensive back Josh Blackwell by the Bears.
The New York Jets, with Joe Douglas as general manager, had a league-leading seven players claimed off waivers. Either the Jets had a surplus of talent or Douglas released the wrong guys …?
•••
The Eagles signed 14 players to the practice squad and defensive end Matt Leo to the International Pathway Program.
Veteran safety Anthony Harris, an emotional cut by the Eagles, tops the 16-man practice squad.
Also added were defensive backs Mario Goodrich and Andre Chachere, quarterback Reid Sinnett, wide receivers Devon Allen, Deion Cain and Britan Covey, tight end Noah Togiai, running back Kennedy Brooks, center Cameron Tom, offensive linemen Kayode Awosika and Le’Raven Clark, defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and linebacker Christian Ellis.
•••
Center Jason Kelce (elbow) returned to practice Wednesday, an encouraging sign for those who want to see him extend his streak of 122 straight starts.
Also back practicing was safety James Bradberry. Running back Miles Sanders isn’t all the way back from a strained hamstring suffered in the preseason opener and didn’t practice.