Howie Roseman was bound to add a veteran receiver during this free agency period, and while it may not have been the splash move some fans were hoping for, Zach Pascal adds veteran reliability to a position that desperately needs it.
According to Adam Schefter, Philly has signed the former Indianapolis Colts wideout to a one-year deal. We haven’t been given the details of the deal just yet.
This move won’t quell all of the concerns surrounding the Eagles wide receiving corps this year, but it undoubtedly helps to solidify the position. Pascal has been a regular starter in Indy for the past three years and spent time in the slot as well as on the outside. Per Pro Football Focus, Pascal spent 656 snaps in the slot, 210 out wide, and 40 as an inline blocker.
And we all know how much Nick Sirianni adores Pascal as a player. During the 2018 campaign, Sirianni sung Pascal’s praises constantly. He once said that he hope his son, Jacob Sirianni, plays football like Pascal when he grows up. Here’s the full quote:
I told Zach today, hopefully he knows that’s the biggest compliment I can give him, I said, ‘I hope Jacob Sirianni, my son, plays football like you do.'”
Pascal truly is a Sirianni type of guy. Not only is he a consistent pass catcher who can produce at an adequate level, he’s a great blocker on the outside, a skill he was able to perfect as a special teams ace early in his career.
Last year, Pascal took a bit of a step back in production, recording 38 receptions for 384 yards and three touchdowns. In the two years prior to 2021, Pascal has accumulated over 40 receptions, over 600 yards, and five touchdowns in each season respectively.
In Sirianni’s offense, Pascal will continue playing in the slot and splitting reps at the Z position with Quez Watkins most likely. He shouldn’t cut into DeVonta’s playing time at all, but we could see Pascal and Quez fighting for snaps throughout the season.
Pascal may not be the bonafide No. 2 receiver Eagles fans were hoping for this offseason, but he still improves the position and adds veteran leadership to the young group. His familiarity with Sirianni should pay dividends in 2022 and beyond.
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