Eagles Work out Restructured Deal With Alshon Jeffery

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The arrival of J.J. Arcega-Whiteside this spring had some speculating that 2019 might be the last season in Philadelphia for veteran receiver Alshon Jeffery.

A non-sourced rumor putting Jeffery on the trade block this summer likely only furthered that narrative for some but the Eagles stopped it dead in its tracks on the eve of the season opener, converting much of Jeffery's $11.75 million salary this season into a signing bonus while also guaranteeing the lengthy receiver's 2020 stipend of $11.5M. Jeffery remains under contract through 2021 but the last year of the deal includes no guarantees.

Had nothing been done Jeffery, 29, was set to count nearly $16M against the cap next season, making him a potential cap casualty. Now, Jeffery has security through 2020 and the Eagles have more cap maneuverability.

Regarded as the WR1 in perhaps the deepest receiving corps in the NFL, Jeffery is coming off a season in which he hauled in 65 receptions for 843 yards and six touchdowns but an uncharacteristic drop with the Eagles driving late in the divisional round playoff loss in New Orleans sealed the team's fate in 2018-19.

Along with Jeffery, Carson Wentz will have the luxury of throwing the ball to DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, Arcega-Whiteside and Mack Hollins at receiver this season. Philadelphia also has Greg Ward and Marcus Green on the practice squad at the position.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen