The Philadelphia Eagles need some wide receivers, and Stefon Diggs appears to want out of Minnesota. Multiple reports indicate Diggs wants to be traded, and the Eagles should be in the market for a player of Diggs’ caliber. Diggs would provide an immediate upgrade to the depth chart while also providing the offense with some much-needed youth at the position.
Stefon Diggs, Philadelphia Eagles A Perfect Trade Destination
Stefon Diggs the Player
Diggs is one of the few wide receivers in the league capable of doing literally everything at a high level. While some fans might be taken aback by his (relatively) underwhelming volume stats, all the advanced numbers show that Diggs truly is among the best of the best.
In 2019, Diggs finished second in the league in yards per route run while averaging an absurd 17.9 yards per reception. This game-breaking ability speaks for itself and would be a welcome addition to a Philadelphia offense currently lacking explosive playmakers.
Stretching the field is obviously good, but Diggs is more than just a one-trick pony. According to Pro Football Focus, Diggs was the best receiver in contested catch situations from 2017 to 2018. Even when he’s not open, he’s probably going to catch anything thrown in his general direction. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s arguably the best route runner in the NFL. He has the skills to be the focal point of any offense and his volume stats would reflect that if he played in more of a pass-happy offense.
This isn’t the first time Diggs has publicly hinted at wanting a change of scenery, and there is a chance that Mike Zimmer actually pulls the trigger on a potential trade. According to Over the Cap, any team trading for Diggs would also receive a $5.5 million cap charge. This is essentially nothing for a player of his caliber, and the Eagles owe it to themselves to see if the Vikings would trade Diggs for the 21st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Perfect Fit
Thanks to the pass-heavy nature of today’s NFL, it’s never been more important to surround a quarterback with difference-makers in the passing game. The Eagles didn’t do that for Carson Wentz last year, and the offense suffered for it. Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson are both showing signs of age, Nelson Agholor is a free agent, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside did nothing to inspire confidence moving forward. Right now, the Eagles need to add someone who can play at a high level for a long time.
Diggs has the chance to be that guy. At 26 years old, Stefon Diggs still has plenty left in his tank. The former fifth-round pick is signed through the 2023 season, so he should be around for a while. Diggs, Jeffery, and Jackson have the talent to be one of the better receiving groups in the league, and that doesn’t even account for the receiving talent at tight end and running back. Even if Arcega-Whiteside doesn’t develop into an NFL-caliber player, the Eagles should have plenty of options in the passing game.
Philadelphia would have to part with at least their first-round pick in order to acquire Diggs. That may seem like a lot, considering the amount of receiver talent in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, getting a player like Diggs still makes the trade well worth it. The NFL Draft is entirely a crapshoot, and even the safest prospects can bust. Additionally, even if the Eagles hit on a first-round wide receiver, he still might not be as good as Diggs, especially right out of the gate. The Eagles are on the cusp of Super Bowl contention, and Diggs can bring them over the top.
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