3 Eagles Fans Will Be Happy to See Leave in Free Agency
By Jovan Alford
2. Quez Watkins
I don’t like to put Watkins on this list because I believe for a Day 3 draft pick, he’s outplayed his draft position and has been able to stick on the roster for multiple seasons.
However, most Eagles fans want to see the team sign a better WR3, not named Watkins in free agency. This season, the former Southern Mississippi wide receiver only had 15 receptions (21 targets) for 142 yards and a touchdown.
Fans harped on Watkins’ drops on social media as one of the reasons why they wanted to see Julio Jones or Olamide Zaccheaus get more playing time. Jones and Zaccheaus are also free agents this offseason.
When the Eagles played the Seahawks in Week 15, fans were not too happy with Watkins, who didn’t fight for the ball in the fourth quarter despite being double-covered.
Jalen Hurts is 0-6 with 2 INTs and 1 drop when targeting Quez Watkins 20 or more yards downfield in the last 381 days. Watkins has a -1.79 EPA per target on these plays.
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) December 20, 2023
It is astounding how little effort he consistently displays to come back to the ball. pic.twitter.com/fvDfVPN5uk
Then there was his drop in the Super Bowl last season, which would have led to a touchdown and put the Eagles up by 10 points. It’s those little things that have fans out on Watkins returning in 2024.
blitzer right in his face and Jalen Hurts still unleashed a 40+ yard dart that his Quez Watkins in the hands pic.twitter.com/YbW4GwArI8
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) February 13, 2023
Over his four-year career with the Eagles, Watkins only has six touchdowns, with three coming in 2022. If Philadelphia doesn’t bring back Watkins, I see him getting another opportunity as he has game-breaking speed, which most teams desire in today’s NFL.