The Philadelphia Eagles were considered one of the winners of the trade deadline after they landed wide receiver Golden Tate from the Detroit Lions. However, he might not have been the team’s first choice. The Eagles were also hot on the heels of New York Jets wideout Robby Anderson, per Chris Mortensen of ESPN.
The Jets resisted trade proposals (including from the Eagles) before the deadline for speedy vertical threat Robby Anderson because Sam Darnold's development remains the priority, according to sources.
The Eagles’ interest in Anderson makes sense. Their offense has been missing a big-play, deep-threat receiver ever since Mike Wallace went down with a foot injury in Week 2. With his blazing speed, Anderson could have come in and filled that role quite well.
Article Continues BelowAnderson had a breakout 2017 season when he finished with 941 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He only has 346 yards and three touchdowns in eight games this year, but he’s still been one of the Jets’ leading receivers.
But while the Eagles missed on on Anderson, Tate’s addition is quite the acquisition in his own right. He may not be the speedster that Anderson is, but Tate has proven to be a very productive receiver and should add another reliable receiving weapon for Carson Wentz alongside Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, and Nelson Agholor.
As for the Jets, Anderson’s presence doesn’t seem to be doing much for Sam Darnold’s development. The rookie quarterback had another disastrous outing against the Dolphins as he threw a career-high four interceptions, giving him seven in his last three games.