By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Rather than signing Kenny Britt this afternoon, as one report had indicated they would do, the Eagles have instead agreed to terms with former San Francsico 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith. Though Smith, at least when you look at the past two seasons, would be a downgrade from Britt, he's a few million cheaper per season than Britt is expected to sign for, which may work in the Eagles' favor.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Eagles are among a trio of teams making a push to sign free-agent wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey:
The #Colts and the #Eagles are making a strong push to sign WR Alshon Jeffery, source said. Talks are continuing with the #Bears
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
If the Eagles were to sign the 27-year-old, it would give them a legitimate No. 1 receiving talent, one that may actually be more talented than every single receiver that suited up for the team in 2016 combined. Certainly, that would help the development of quarterback Carson Wentz.
That said, Jeffrey isn't without his flaws. In five seasons, he's only played 16 games two times, and he's missed at least four games in every other season of his career. Health certainly has contributed to that, as did a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy in 2016.
Jeffrey is far from the first NFL player to fail a drug test, and rarely do players fail two. However, if he failed a second one, he would be looking at a 10-game suspension and if he failed two more, he would be looking at a suspension of at least two years. That may seem like a lot of hypotheticals, but the Eagles already saw Lane Johnson reach stage two of the league's PED policy a year ago, so it would be understandable if they would be cautious with anyone else who has failed a PED test.
Still, in the two seasons that Jeffrey played 16 games, 2013 and 2014, he put up over 1,000 yards receiving and 85 catches. In 2013, with Josh McCown quarterbacking the Bears for much of the season, he had 89 catches for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. His talent is undeniable.
If the Eagles were to sign Jeffrey, it may open up other potential transaction options for the team. Jordan Matthews, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, could be moved. Dorial Green-Beckham and/or Bryce Treggs, both of whom reportedly prioritized partying over football in 2016, could also be released.
