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As you make your rounds around social media, Eagles fans are always talking about which players the Eagles should pursue in the off-season. Two of the most popular names popping-up are Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Obviously, both are incredible talents and adding either one to the Eagles offense would be a great addition. There are many factors involved when it comes to acquiring one of these players.
OFF THE FIELD: In the last few months, both players have been in the headlines more than you would like. In my opinion, Brown seems like he would be the bigger distraction and not the kind of personality I would want in the Eagles locker room. Bell, on the other hand, just wants to get paid. He wasn’t out in the media ripping coaches and teammates like Brown. I understand where Bell was coming from. He deserved to be paid like the highest paid running back, and after Earl Thomas got hurt playing during his contract dispute, he had no incentive to step back on the field.
AGE: When it comes to age, Bell is definitely the better option. Bell just turned 27 and took a year off to preserve his body. He is going to be fresh and ready to go this season. Brown will be 31 when the season starts. He is starting to get to an age where receivers start seeing a drop-off in production. Father Time waits for no man and that includes Antonio Brown
FIT: Obviously, adding a player of Brown’s caliber wouldn’t be a bad thing. However, Bell is the much better fit. The Eagles already have pro-bowl weapons in the passing game with Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery. What the Eagles also have is a pressing need at running back. If they were able to get Bell, he would also be a key factor in the passing game. I get that some Eagles fans want to surround Wentz with as many passing options as possible, but giving him Bell would be more valuable. He would give Wentz a reliable ball-carrier, a threat to catch out of the backfield, and a great pass protector.
If I were general manager, Bell would priority #1. Howie Roseman loves making the big splash. I would expect the Eagles to be heavily linked to Bell throughout the off-season.
