The Rich Get Richer - Steve Smith to the Eagles

Since the start of Free Agency, the Eagles have lured just about every worthwhile talent into the city of Brotherly Love. Former New York Football Giant and division rival, Smith joins an Eagles team that hardly even looks like the team that finished the 2010 season. Steve Smith will most likely find himself at home in the slot position, replacing, former University of Florida wideout, Riley Cooper. That is, he will once he is fully recovered from micro-fracture surgery he had on his left knee in December.

So, while the addition of Steve Smith could be great for the Eagles if he is 100% by the playoffs or even the last couple weeks, don’t go jumping to draft the man who is optimistic to post WR3 numbers in this style of offense. Even if Smith was completely healthy going into the season I find it hard to envision Andy Reid pulling Maclin for his newest toy. The tandem of DeSean Jackson (4.35) and Jeremy Maclin (4.45) with LeSean McCoy (4.49) in the backfield means that Vick has three weapons that can run sub-4.5 40 yard dashes. So when Smith does finally return (which is expected to be about midseason) he will most likely take on a roll of a possession style receiver targeted on 3^rd down plays while Maclin and Jackson scorch the secondary on longer routes.

Fantasy Value: Currently none. But come mid-late November/early December when your fantasy football playoffs are kicking off and Smith is finally feeling 100% he could become a valuable WR2/3 or flex position player in a bind. If Maclin can’t shake his cold or one of those burners gets hurt Smith will become a primetime fantasy threat. He has the talent to be a stud and Philly’s buy-low strategy on the Smith acquisition could pay big come the end of the year.

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