Eagles: After Long Search for Coveted Wide Receiver, Eagles Fall Short

There had been much talk about the Eagles finally getting that coveted No. 1 wide receiver earlier in this off-season, and after making two huge off-season splashes in the signing of All-Pro CB Asante Samuel and a much needed emerging DE in Chris Clemons, the Eagles nearly did just that.

Many people are not aware, for example, that the Eagles pursued Randy Moss, or how close they actually were to a deal. At one point during that behind-the-scenes operation a source was quoted as saying, "It seems that the Eagles organization and Randy Moss are close to a deal."

While Moss eventually went back to New England, it was evident that the Eagles had at least gone out there and tried to address one of the Eagles greatest needs, despite what Andy Reid would later say about his confidence in the current squad.

Once again, days after failing to procure Moss, the Eagles made noticeable efforts in trying to bring a No. 1 wide receiver to Philadelphia. All the rumors flying around involved the trading of disgruntled corner back Lito Sheppard for Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, a move that would help to bolster Arizona's weak defense.

Once again, however, all fell to naught when Larry Fitzgerald signed a contract extension with the Cardinals.

But, if sources are correct, Eagles management didn't stop there. They went out and contacted Detroit for a possible trade, once again involving Lito Sheppard, this time for Roy Williams.

There was, however, no legitimate reason that the Lions would make this move, and five weeks into free agency the Eagles were still left empty handed.

Since then, there had been talk about Arizona's Anquan Boldin or Cincinnati's Chad Johnson. Nothing has come out of either.

It is possible that the Eagles' vigorous search for a wide receiver was due in part to the possibility of this being the  end of the McNabb-Reid era. The Eagles, a team which pass often under Reid's offense desperately wanted to make this last year a successful one. That can still happen.

At draft time, the Eagles drafted WR/KR DeSean Jackson in the second round. He had a reasonably good career for Cal as a wide receiver, but his main value was returning punts and kickoffs. He may help in some offensive packages for the Eagles as a wide receiver, but won't make much of an impact in his rookie year.

And that leaves the Eagles where they are right now: No wide receiver and no prospects of getting one. They still have Lito Sheppard, though, an important piece in this emerging young defense.

Maybe, just maybe, Andy Reid was right about the Eagles' current wide receivers being sufficient. Maybe not.

Either way, these will be the ones who will have to step up and play this 2008 season.

I just hope it won't be another wasted effort.