The Eagles retooled the wide receiver position via the NFL Draft but on Wednesday, head coach Doug Pederson confirmed that an incumbent veteran still has an edge in the competition.
During the Eagles late-season playoff run in 2019, Ward was an integral part of the team’s success and looked to have finally found a place on an NFL roster. Ward was the Eagles’ most consistent and reliable receiver during the Birds four-game run to a division title, snagging 28 catches for 254 yards and one touchdown during that six-week stretch.
As Ward and the Eagles enter the 2020 season, the roster dynamics have changed, and what initially looked like a guaranteed starting role this season dwindled back to another preseason battle for a roster spot.
The Eagles acquired the speedy Marquise Goodwin on draft night and then selected Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins to add more speed and athleticism to the roster.
A virtual offseason should allow Ward to enter training camp with an advantage at the position and Doug Pederson’s comments about Jalen Reagor playing on the outside were also a blessing for Ward as well.
