According to sources, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the Philadelphia Eagles are trading former first-round receiver Jalen Reagor to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round pick and a 2024 conditional fourth-round pick. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a receiver, was later waived by the Vikings, who later confirmed the trade.
Reagor’s troubled career in Philadelphia comes to an end as a result of the deal, which also gives him the chance to start over with a team that is making its own first forays into a new era.
The time Reagor spent in the “City of Brotherly Love” was anything but happy.
Eagles fans expected the 2020 first-round pick to be the team’s undisputed top receiver for years to come, but he never came close to living up to their expectations. Reagor, the No. 21 overall pick in 2020, had a difficult rookie season, catching only 31 of 54 targets in 11 games and missing five games due to a torn thumb ligament.
Reagor had 2021 at his disposal to repair his reputation and get back on course. After that, the Eagles chose DeVonta Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, who eventually replaced Reagor as the team’s top receiver.
Reagor once more struggled in the postseason of 2021, misplacing two punts and losing one of them in a wild-card loss to the Buccaneers.
The addition of A.J. Brown and the potential of Quez Watkins meant that the Eagles could do without Reagor, who appeared to be a lock to be released at the deadline.
Instead, he was a 53-man roster player who played for less than 24 hours.
Reagor was acquired by the Vikings for a sum of money that was higher than most people would anticipate. Frankly, general manager Howie Roseman should celebrate that the Eagles received anything in exchange for Reagor.
Despite the gloomy tone used above, Minnesota sees Reagor as a potential opportunity. The Vikings have a quarterback who has shown he can make connections with a variety of targets, and Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson are a fantastic duo for Minnesota. K.J. Osborn stands out as a promising player, and Jalen Nailor, a product of Michigan State, will spend 2022 gaining experience in the NFL.
All of this is to say that Reagor is under very little pressure in Minnesota. Reagor won’t have to bear the crushing weight of first-round expectations; instead, he can adjust at his own pace and hope to seize opportunities as they present themselves.
Finally, the Eagles concede they had a swing and a miss with Reagor. But as a result, neither team is particularly harmed.
