The Eagles have announced one-year contract signings of wide receiver Greg Ward and defensive back Andre Chachere. The specific terms of the contracts have yet to be released. Ward was set to enter free agency as a restricted free agent, while Chachere would’ve been an exclusive rights free agent.
Ward, 26, will now head into his fourth season with the Birds. Last year, the receiver put up just 95 yards — his lowest season total to date — on seven receptions. Ward did score three touchdowns, however.
The regression of Ward’s targets, yardage, and overall involvement from 2020 to 2021 was to be expected. After all, the team was counting on DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, and Quez Watkins to be the primary receiving producers. However, two of the three underwhelmed while Ward did little to stand out.
With many speculating that Ward’s contract will be under the $2.4 million price tag that would’ve come with tendering him, it’s certainly not a horrible decision to bring him back. Yes, his upside is undoubtedly capped by now and he doesn’t excel spectacularly in any one area. But his reliability and catch percentage (67.7% for his career) are still useful.
More Chachere Means More Stability On Special Teams
Chachere, 26, appeared in all but one game in 2021, starting one. On defense, Chachere had 15 tackles and one tackle for loss. The defensive back’s real value came on special teams, where he played 72.04% of snaps (322 snaps), the second-most on the team behind cornerback Zach McPhearson’s 72.71%.
With special teams being at times an under appreciated part of the team, it’s important to have quality players on the unit, especially one who’s developed extremely well in the gunner role. Bringing back Chachere was a no-brainer.
Both Ward and Chachere coming back also mean the Eagles don’t plan to change their FA strategies, so expect further additions at both receiver and safety over the next couple days.
Eagles Opt To Not Tender Boston Scott
The giant killer could be on his way to a new home next season, as the Eagles will not tender Boston Scott a new contract. If the team had tendered him at the lowest level, Scott would’ve earned a salary of $2.4 million.
The 26-year-old had 373 rushing yards and seven touchdowns — second-most on the team — last season, along with 83 receiving yards on 13 receptions.
2021 was a pretty successful year for Scott when considering how things looked before the season. With Miles Sanders as the workhorse and Kenny Gainwell receiving plenty of praise and hype, Scott looked to be the odd man out.
However, with Sanders’ injuries and Gainwell’s lack of use at various points, Scott (along with Jordan Howard) was able to gain playing time and had plenty of productive moments. Still, it wasn’t enough to persuade the Eagles to keep him before free agency begins.
Scott’s lack of a tender doesn’t mean a reunion is out of a question. The team could still bring him back at a price they find more suitable to his role as a rotational player. Plus, it’s clear the Eagles value former players highly given their familiarity of the offense, such as with Howard.
However, with Sanders still here and Gainwell having a probable increased role in his sophomore season, the Eagles can afford to move on without Scott.
