Initially included in the Philadelphia Eagles’ final roster cut, wide receiver Jalen Reagor was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2023 seventh-round and a 2024 conditional fourth-round pick this Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, prior to releasing the first-rounder, the Eagles waived WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette to empty up spaces for him. While Reagor had a relatively consistent play this offseason, his disappointing performance last season was likely the reason behind his release.
Releasing Reagor
A day before the trade announcement, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman praised Reagor, who wrapped up this offseason as one of the most consistent players on the team.
“I think when you look at Jalen, one of the things that one of our scouts said to me today is he was one of the only guys that practiced every day. The guy brought it every day. He worked on his craft. He had a great attitude, great energy. Obviously, he’s a talented guy. He’s 23 years old,” Roseman said.
“We’re going to do whatever we think is in the best interest of the team, and we felt like there was no doubt in our mind that he deserved a role on this team.”
Despite receiving praise from Roseman and being included on the final list, Reagor’s trade was unavoidable. Last season, he hit as little as 65 receptions for 695 yards in 28 games.
Uncertainties on Reagor’s stay in Philadelphia grew stronger after dropping two game-winning potential touchdowns in a 13-7 defeat to the New York Giants in September. He mishandled multiple punts, which resulted in Philadelphia’s wild-card loss.
Eagles WR coach Aaron Moorehead said earlier that the player performed great in team camps despite fans wanting him to go. Some booed at him, while one brave fan heckled and said “Reagor, you suck.”
“From two years ago to last year to now, mentally, he’s in such a better space. I think just that transition, having all those targets (in college) to maybe you only get a couple opportunities per game, he had to get used to that adjustment,” Moorehead said.
“He’s had a nice camp so far. He’s made plays, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and he’s got to continue to challenge himself every day to be great on the field and off the field and to continue to take care of himself.”
Reagor was selected with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the n2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year $13.3 million contract, which also included a fifth-year option with the franchise. He sustained a shoulder injury that year but would make it into Week 1 of the regular season.
“I want to be here for the rest of my career. But I mean, it’s a business of production. So, I’m gonna handle my end, and I’m going to let them handle theirs,” he said.
After two seasons in Philadelphia, Reagor will have to pack his bags almost 2,000 kilometers away to the Vikings’ home turf, U.S. Bank Stadium, in downtown Minnesota.