NFL Free Agency 2011: Why Plaxico Burress Shouldn't Join Philadelphia Eagles

The rumor out there is that Plaxico Burress is an option for the Philadelphia Eagles when free-agent signings are possible. He came out of prison with a Philly cap on, but it was in red and not green.

Pairing Burress with Michael Vick seems like a good idea on first thought. Every quarterback loves a big receiver to toss it to. Burress also plays a different style than the Eagles' top two threats, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

Burress is also familiar with the NFC East. This point should be presented, though: Would Andy Reid want Burress being a veteran showing a guy like Jackson the way?

DeSean has already had an issue with Reid due to his effort, and Plaxico has never been a big endorser of showing up on time. How happy would Jackson be if Philadelphia gives Burress a bigger deal than what he has right now?

It appears that Burress will be highly sought-after, driving up the market price for a player who hasn't played in two years. DeSean Jackson is looking for a nice payday after his recent production. He's a significant part of Philadelphia's offense, not to mention the special-teams game, and he's not someone to irritate.

Riley Cooper showed some promise last season as a rookie. At 6'3", he could be the big receiver the Eagles need to have as an option. Signing Plaxico would stunt the development of Cooper, seeing as it would mean less time on the field for him, especially if Burress signs a multi-year deal. 

When Plaxico is on the field, how will he feel about most likely being the third option? He's never had to deal with that in his career.

No one really knows what Andy Reid is up to. He made it sound as if the Eagles would not be suitors for Vick when he got out of prison, and we know how that turned out. Signing Vick at that time was different, though, because the team had a quarterback, Donovan McNabb, who was past his prime.

Philadelphia should steer away from Plaxico and not feel any regrets, even if Burress has a nice season for a team like the Chicago Bears. Philadelphia's money should be spent where the needs are.

They should be investing in defensive players before the Eagles add another talent to an already talented area. The running game needs more emphasis anyway, and adding another receiver would not help that.

Do the Eagles really need another Drew Rosenhaus-represented wide receiver?