Eagles news: LeSean McCoy had talks with Philly before signing with Bucs

Veteran running back LeSean McCoy is signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he nearly returned to te Philadelphia Eagles.

Veteran running back LeSean McCoy is signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he nearly returned to his old stomping grounds with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported McCoy had talks with the Eagles prior to his decision to join the Bucs, and suggested “Shady” might have taken a discount.

LeSean McCoy had talks with the #Eagles, but ultimately, it was Tampa as the landing spot. The #Bucs wanted a veteran back, but didn’t have much to spend. https://t.co/gMDtcj9JbS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2020

The Eagles have been eyeing a veteran running back since May.

Philly showed interest in Carlos Hyde (who signed with the Seahawks) and were also rumored to have been in talks with Devonta Freeman. Interestingly enough, Freeman was another guy on Tampa Bay's radar.

A few things on the #Eagles’ interest in free agent RBs, per sources: They offered contracts to Carlos Hyde, who signed with the Seahawks, and Devonta Freeman, who is weighing other offers (Bucs).

They have interest in bringing back LeSean McCoy, but have yet to make an offer.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 28, 2020

However, it seemed less likely the Eagles would sign another back as the months passed, especially after Hyde signed with the Seahawks. Head coach Doug Pederson hinted in June the team was keen on Hyde before he signed with Seattle (via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia):

“We did and we looked outside [at] free agency and some of the guys that were there,” Pederson said to Angelo Cataldi on WIP. “As you guys know, we had an opportunity to possibly grab a player and slipped through our fingers. But we’re always looking to add that depth, add that value.

Signing McCoy would have made for a nice story. The 32-year-old made a pair of All-Pro teams with the Eagles in 2011 and 2013, and still ranks as the franchise leader in rushing yards.

However, it seems the Eagles are content rolling with second-year back Miles Sanders, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and also had 50 receptions for 509 yards.