In something of a surprise, Eagles free agent slot receiver Zach Pascal has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Cardinals, according to NFL Network.
Pascal will reunite with Eagles former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Arizona.
Pascal was expected to remain with the Eagles. He joined the team in 2022, after playing for Nick Sirianni’s offense in Indianapolis. He was thought to be a reasonably priced option to continue playing for his former coach.
Pascal caught 15 passes on 19 targets for 150 yards and one touchdown in 2022 — all career lows. He played 338 offensive snaps. He had three catches for 15 yards in the playoffs. He played in all 20 games.
In four seasons with the Colts, Pascal had 150 catches for 1,888 yards.
Pascal seemingly was a favorite of Sirianni. When asked about a lack of production from Pascal and Quez Watkins, the other slot receiver, Sirianni defended both of his players.
He pointed out that on a team with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, not every player is going to get as many opportunities.
- “The things that Zach Pascal did was [being] our enforcer,” Sirianni said. “Go back and look at the tape of how many times he was in on a big block that sprung a big run, or even the play that he made against Pittsburgh for a touchdown.
- “Like why did that play come up and why was he able to score on that play? … Well, it was because he had made that block so many times that they all jumped in and he ran by them.”
Expect the Eagles to explore the free-agent or trade markets to replace Pascal. They also have Greg Ward, Britain Cover, Devon Allen and Tyrie Cleveland on the roster as possible replacements.
