Nelson Agholor joined the NFL as a Philadelphia Eagle, spending a five-year tenure that didn’t live up to either party’s expectations.
After parting ways with the city and succeeding with another team, Nelson Agholor is now a free agent going into the 2021 season. Many Philadelphia fans are now wondering if the wide receiver will be wearing midnight green again.
SPECULATIONS FOR A SECOND STINT IN PHILADELPHIA
Agholor entered unrestricted free agency this year after finishing a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Currently, there are no rumored interests. However, those teams in need of a wide receiver include the New York Jets, New York Giants, New England Patriots, and the Indianapolis Colts. It’s possible he also returns to Las Vegas.
But, after releasing veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson and the rumored release of Alshon Jeffery in the coming days, Philadelphia is also in need of filling that position.
Yesterday, Agholor was spotted working out in Tampa, Florida, with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver Greg Ward, leaving Philadelphia fans in disarray.
AGHOLOR’S RUN IN THE NFL
Agholor, who played for USC, was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. After signing a four-year contract, he struggled to find his groove until 2017, when he switched to a slot receiver role.
He put up his highest stats that year as an Eagle, finishing the season with 768 yards and eight touchdowns. He totaled more yards and touchdowns in 2017 alone than the previous two seasons combined. Agholor also won Philadelphia’s only franchise Super Bowl adding nine receptions for 84 yards to the Eagles victory over the New England Patriots.
Nelly’s gameplay took a downward slope, ultimately causing a disastrous end to his stint with the Eagles in 2019 after the team exercised a fifth-year option.
In 2020, he joined the Las Vegas Raiders for a league minimum one-year deal worth $1.047 million. He also created a better relationship with head coach Jon Gruden [compared to Doug Pederson].
Known in Philadelphia for his countless dropped balls, Agholor made a comeback, finishing the season with a career-high 896 yards. He also finished with eight touchdowns, tying his 2017 record.
COULD AGHOLOR MAKE A GREATER COMEBACK IN PHILLY?
Fans are now wondering if the video provides clues for Agholor’s potential return to Philadelphia.
The short answer is likely, no.
From a financial standpoint, Philadelphia doesn’t have the funds to spend on a player they can’t be sure of. According to Spotrac, Agholor’s projected two-year deal will come in at $19.5 million or $9.7 million annually. Pro Football Focus projects $7.5 million annually for a $15 million two-year deal.
Either way, the Eagles simply can’t afford it, as they are still in salary cap debt.
From a personal standpoint, it’s assumed Agholor wouldn’t want to come back. As the most passionate fans in the NFL, Philadelphia doesn’t let a bad play go unnoticed, and unfortunately, Agholor had a number of them. Both parties should spare experiencing that pain again.
Though two of Agholor’s biggest issues [Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz] are now gone, it’s doubtful the work-out video had a meaning behind it. Chances are it’s just two former teammates running routes with a quarterback preparing for their starting role.
Top draft picks Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith are supposedly also in the same facility.
