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Eagles Sign Julio Jones; Quez Watkins Trade Coming?

Originally posted on FanNation Eagle Maven
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated 10/18/23

The Philadelphia Eagles are bolstering their receiver room by signing former All-Pro Julio Jones.

While Jones is only joining the practice squad for now, there's an idea that he could join the 53-man roster soon ... and that could mean saying goodbye to one of the receivers already on the roster.

If there is an odd man out, Quez Watkins may be that guy.

With the NFL trade deadline coming in less than two weeks' time, it may be worthwhile for the Eagles to seek out some compensation for Watkins before the team could lose him in free agency for nothing.

The Eagles put Watkins (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday, meaning a potential trade suitor would have deal with his injury and potentially move pieces around to eventually add him to the active roster.

Watkins, 25, has caught four passes for 21 yards this season and has played in just half of the Eagles' games thus far. Olamide Zaccheaus has done well in his absence, even catching a touchdown in the Eagles' Week 3 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Given his placement in the depth chart and the looming DeVonta Smith extension, Watkins likely could get a better offer in free agency from another team.

It remains to be seen whether Jones, who hasn't played since Week of last season, will be an upgrade over Watkins, but the ceiling is certainly higher. If Jones proves himself in the coming weeks, it could spark the end of Watkins' tenure with the Eagles.

The Eagles are back in action on Sunday when they host the Miami Dolphins in primetime. Kickoff for Sunday Night Football is scheduled for 8:20 and can be seen on NBC or Peacock.

This article first appeared on FanNation Eagle Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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