The Eagles wide receiver situation is not ideal after failing to address it in the early stages of free agency. It seems the solution will be to address it in the draft this weekend, but if they were to sign XFL star receiver Cam Phillips, it may just help fix the problem and change how they view what they need in the draft.
Phillips went undrafted in 2018, but got signed by the Buffalo Bills. He ended up getting waived that September and briefly ended up on the practice squad. He was then promoted back to the active roster in late October, having another chance to prove himself.
At the time of his promotion the Bills were having quarterback issues, going through the season with four different starters who couldn't throw the ball without it getting intercepted. This would lead to Phillips having a hard time making a name for himself by only racking up nine-yards off one catch. He was once again waived before the end of the month.
Though he didn't get a fair shake in the NFL, that didn't hold him back from doing what he loves. He decided to take a chance on the XFL by signing with the Houston Roughnecks in 2019, which turned out to pay off and prove to the NFL and the Bills what they missed out on the first time around.
In just five games in the now-defunct league, he recorded 31 receptions for 455-yards (in Week 3 alone he came up big for 194-yards off eight catches). Highlights of his noteworthy Week 3 game can be found below.
Now looking for one more chance in the NFL, the Eagles could certainly use a player like Phillips to help Carson Wentz. This would give Wentz a weapon that just needs another real chance in the NFL to prove himself. Phillips himself would also benefit by catching passes from a quarterback of Wentz's caliber in the NFL, so you can say they could scratch each other's backs. I have been patiently waiting for the announcement that the Eagles have singed Phillips after the XFL stated it was closing down for the rest of the season. As the weeks pass, I hear more teams growing interested, but none have pulled the trigger so far. This could be a game-changer for the Eagles for how they approach this year's draft. It allows them to still draft a wide receiver early, but it will also allow them to prioritize other positions late in the draft instead of having to select a second receiver. The Eagles recent draft picks at receiver have been disappointing, so adding Phillps will be like adding an experienced free agent.
Ultimately, the Eagles could use a guy like Phillips to provide depth to the receiving core and possibly give the other new Eagles receiver(s) a chance to adjust to the NFL early in the season. Phillips will be able to contribute right away, which will help if DeSean Jackson gets hurt again or if Alshon Jeffery isn't ready for the start of the regular season. Howie Roseman needs to pull the trigger and get Phillips signed before its too late. There's no doubt he will get signed this season after his XFL dominance. Let's just hope the Eagles at least make an offer instead of letting him walk on by just to become a problem they may have to go up against.
