The final day as a Philadelphia Eagle has come for J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. On Monday, August 15, the team traded the wide receiver to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for defensive back Ugo Amadi. The news was released via Tom Pelissero.
Eagles trade JJaw to Seahawks for DB Ugo Amadi, per @TomPelissero.
It never worked out. Finally over.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/D5iya7Kzy9
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) August 15, 2022
Yesterday, JJAW did not practice, as he was listed as “not injury related” on the report. It was soon rumored that he would be gone by Tuesday according to an Eagles’ source, and it looks like the rumor reigned true.
J.J. ARCEGA-WHITESIDE: FROM WR TO TE
The Stanford graduate was a second-round draft pick in 2019, playing in all 16 games as a rookie. Arcega-Whiteside finished with only ten receptions for 169 receiving yards and one touchdown. The following season, he missed more than half of the season, and was less productive overall. With four receptions for 85 yards, JJAW had zero touchdowns.
Returning in 2021, the wide receiver was listed last on the depth chart, playing primarily on special teams. Though he was decent, he finished with two catches for 39 yards.
In a last ditch effort for the 2022 season, Arcega-Whiteside made the switch to tight end, but he would be competing in a crowded group once again. With starter Dallas Goedert and guys behind him like Jack Stoll, Tyree Jackson, and Grant Calcaterra, it’s unlikely JJAW would have seen any playing time.
During Philadelphia’s preseason game against the New York Jets, Arcega-Whiteside had eight reps with the offense and 15 with special teams.
THE TRADE
With roster cuts looming, it’s slightly shocking the Eagles traded JJAW, rather than cutting him. Cutting the wide receiver would have put $405,222 in debt, saving the Eagles $1.2 million.
NFL teams across the league will have to cut their rosters down by five players (90 to 85), on Tuesday afternoon. In the meantime, the Eagles have acquired Ugo Amadi, and have one day to figure out if he will remain on the team until the next cut.
Amadi was a fourth-round pick in 2019, making 12 starts in 47 games. Last season, he had 54 total tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and two tackles for a loss. The Seahawks were planning to cut Amadi, but instead, they made the trade.
The Seahawks will move JJAW back to the wide receiver position as they are currently dealing with injuries. As for Amadi, who plays nickel, he’ll be joining a crowded position on the Eagles.
