Philadelphia Eagles: Rueben Randle no lock for roster?

Jun 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) makes a catch during mini camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) makes a catch during mini camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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MMQB writer and sports journalism legend Peter King says that Rueben Randle might not be a lock for the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster…

With all of the craziness surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback situation this offseason, it’s easy to overlook competition at other positions, like wide receiver.

The Eagles have Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor firmly entrenched in starting positions, but what about behind them? Josh Huff figures to be in the mix, and young veterans Chris Givens and Rueben Randle were brought in this offseason to also compete for jobs.

Randle is a pretty high profile name at the very least, but he could be on the roster bubble according to MMQB columnist Peter King.

“He caught 188 balls in four years with the Giants, but he never was the deep threat or consistent wideout his second-round status merited. Though he made a brilliant one-handed catch in practice Saturday, he’s the fourth receiver at best here, and he may not make the 53-man roster.”

That’s not a great endorsement for the former no. 1 player in prep school, the coveted recruit that chose LSU over any other school he could have wanted. Randle was a decent player for the New York Giants, catching a career-high eight touchdown passes last season after catching 12 total in his first three seasons in the league.

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Randle’s production last season earned him a contract with the Eagles, but it’s relatively risk-free for Philadelphia. It’s a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary with nearly $2 million in incentives. The Eagles are on the hook for $500,000 if Randle doesn’t make the team, so in the grand scheme of things, it wouldn’t cost them a whole lot if he were to be cut when the final rosters are put out.

It’s clear he’s going to need a strong finish to camp and a good preseason in order to make this team, but it would surprise me if he doesn’t make the final 53 in Philly. The Eagles aren’t overly deep at receiver in terms of having guys with actual NFL production, and Randle is young and talented. He’s playing for a new contract, and should be really motivated.

Coming off of a career season, I think Randle ultimately makes the Eagles’ roster and provides them with some really good depth this year.