3 Free Agent Wide Receivers the Eagles Can Target After DeVante Parker Retirement

3. WR Richie James

The city of Philadelphia is filled with hard-working, blue-collar citizens, which is why Richie James would be the perfect fit for the Eagles.

Seventh-round draft picks don't have the best track record when it comes to making the NFL, but James hasn't let that stop him from reaching his dreams. After being a last-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, the ex-Middle Tennessee State playmaker has gone on to tally 105 receptions for 1,372 yards and seven TDs across five seasons with three franchises.

James' best performance came when he joined the New York Giants for the 2022 season. After sub-average play in three campaigns with the 49ers, the Sarasota, FL native had a career year as he amassed 569 yards and four touchdowns on 57 receptions — all career highs.

James attempted to capitalize on his career year by joining the Chiefs last offseason, but things didn't work out as planned. A combination of injuries and unfavorable depth chart positioning limited the 28-year-old to 137 offensive snaps across nine games, resulting in 10 receptions and 114 yards without a touchdown. He instead spent most of the year on special teams as he returned 20 kickoffs for 200 yards and nine punts for 187 more.

As solid as he can be as a returner, it's clear that the Chiefs misused James. He has the tools to be effective as a WR3/4 in the right environment and playing in the Jalen Hurts-led offense could bring out the best in him — especially if he's playing with a chip on his shoulder.

It's a low-risk, high-reward situation that the Eagles should explore.

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