Philadelphia Eagles: Why Signing Plaxico Burress Would Be a Huge Mistake

Rumor has it that the Philadelphia Eagles are the front-runners for former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who is set to be released on June 6^th.

Until his run in with the law, the 6'5" inch receiver was one of the league’s most feared pass catchers, recording 22 touchdowns in the two seasons prior to his shortened 2008 season. But it would be a poor decision by Philadelphia to sign him.

For starters, the Eagles simply don’t have a huge need for another receiving threat. Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are firmly entrenched as Vick’s first and second option.

They are perfect complements to one another, with Jackson being a speedy deep-ball threat and Maclin, though quick,  more of a possession receiver. After them, Vick still has LeSean McCoy who recorded 78 receptions last year.

At best, Plaxico could supplant Jason Avant as Philadelphia’s third wide receiver on the depth chart. But Avant performed just fine as Vick’s fourth option in the passing game, recording 51 receptions for over 550 yards.

It’s highly questionable if he could match these numbers working out of the slot. At 33 years of age (34 by the season’s opener), Plaxico’s best days are well behind him. Take into account his dismal and injury-plagued 2008 season and the damage from his gunshot wound, and Burress

Finally, the Eagles shouldn't sign Burress because they would need to spend a decent amount of money to obtain him, and that’s money that would be better spent on Nnamdi Asomugha or a right tackle.

Burress is a risky option for any team, and it’s a risk Philadelphia shouldn't take given that he will be the team’s third, or more likely the fourth, wide receiver. But, Burress could be a No. 1 or 2 option for a number of teams, including the Seahawks, Browns, Rams, Panthers, Titans, Raiders, and Redskins. Burress could also be an ideal fit for the Jets if they couldn't re-sign either Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards.

Though some of these teams won’t consider him because of his legal troubles or age, there are bound to be at least a few that want him. This might be the last contract Plaxico signs, and given that he has already won a Super Bowl, money will be a huge consideration.

If the Eagles want him, they’ll likely have to match the money put up by teams that want him as one of their starting two wide receivers.

No matter which way you look at the situation, it appears very doubtful that Plaxico Burress will ever suit up in an Eagles uniform.