The Philadelphia Eagles head into the 2025 NFL season with a roster brimming with talent on both sides of the ball, prompting many to consider them among the top contenders to win the Super Bowl. With ten of their eleven offensive starters from 2024 returning, there’s a strong sense of continuity and stability. However, the lingering question remains: are they truly complete, or is there still a crucial move left to make before training camp kicks off?
Across the media landscape, there’s been plenty of speculation about potential upgrades. Some have pointed to the defensive side of the ball, suggesting that adding a veteran edge rusher or safety could provide valuable leadership and depth to the Eagles’ younger core. Others have turned their focus to the offense, questioning whether the team has enough depth at wide receiver—especially in the slot.
NFL analyst Aaron Schatz of ESPN recently weighed in with his recommendation for a final preseason move: signing veteran wide receiver Tyler Boyd. According to Schatz, the Eagles could benefit from more reliable depth at receiver, particularly someone capable of operating efficiently from the slot and helping to move the chains on third downs. While he acknowledged that Keenan Allen would be a perfect fit, he suggested Boyd as a strong alternative, noting his extensive experience and versatility.
Boyd, who spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, finished with a modest 39 receptions for 390 yards. But that doesn’t tell the full story. From 2016 to 2023, Boyd was an integral part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense, racking up multiple seasons of strong production, including two 1,000-yard campaigns. He’s proven he can be a reliable number two or three option and has the size and route-running ability to contribute on the outside as well.
Currently, the Eagles’ internal option for that third receiver role is Jahan Dotson, acquired via trade from the Washington Commanders. Despite entering just his third season and having youth on his side, Dotson’s 2024 season fell far short of expectations. He caught only 19 passes for 216 yards across 17 regular-season games, though he did score a touchdown in the playoffs. His performance was underwhelming enough for the Eagles to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract—a clear signal of uncertainty about his long-term fit.
Stylistically, Dotson and Boyd bring different elements to the table. Dotson is more of a shifty, slot-oriented weapon, while Boyd’s larger frame and polished route tree allow him to operate across multiple alignments. The Eagles may prefer to stick with Dotson in their effort to stay young, but Boyd would provide a veteran safety net if Dotson doesn’t progress.
Ultimately, adding Boyd would give quarterback Jalen Hurts another trustworthy target and elevate the overall reliability of the passing game. While it’s not a pressing need, it’s certainly a smart move to consider as the Eagles aim to return to the top of the NFL mountain.
