Mixed in with the blockbuster moves this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles quietly tagged Miles Austin with a one-year deal.

At first, nothing was really thought of the move. It seemed like at the most, it was a decision based on depth at the position. As the weeks moved on and OTAs came and went, Austin’s name has been gaining some traction. 

It may be a longshot, but Austin has a legitimate shot at being one of the starting wide receivers on the outside on opening day.


 

Pro Football Focus agrees. In a recent story focusing on fantasy football, PFF explained how Austin will have a starting spot:

“At receiver, we’re projecting Jordan Matthews to man the slot with rookie Nelson Agholor and Miles Austin starting outside. You read that right, Miles Austin... a healthy Austin is an upgrade over Riley Cooper, who was PFF’s worst wide receiver last season.”

That assumption makes sense. A few weeks ago, I spoke with Austin’s college coach, who went on to say how Austin is feeling the best he’s ever felt and is flourishing in his role as a mentor to the younger players. 

Chip Kelly has been raving about Austin this offseason, as well, which most likely means he sees a lot of potential in Austin in this system. The former Cowboy has developed some 'veteran tricks,' according to his college coach, which means he can find ways to get open despite his declining speed.

The proposed starting receivers by PFF is exactly how I foresee the unit shaking out after the preseason.

Matthews is destined for success in the slot and shouldn’t be transitioned to the outside full time. As a rookie, Matthews had the second most catches of all slot receivers and was one of two players (Randall Cobb, 12) to have over five touchdowns out of the slot (8). 

Agholor is better suited for the outside. He has the speed to get open and showed at USC that he can excel both outside and inside. 

Contract aside, Cooper doesn’t have the quickness to beat corners on the outside. He’d fare a lot better as a 3rd or 4th option that can capitalize on mismatches Kelly creates. 

Josh Huff has been gaining a lot of attention this offseason, too, but he’s absolutely a lock to play in the inside. Those who believe Matthews should play outside say so because they think Huff can fill in his spot at the slot. I’d rather not test that theory out when Matthews has already shown in one season that he’s one of the league’s best options inside. 

Depth chart position doesn’t mean much in this system, however. Kelly isn’t afraid to sub in and out or switch things up if things aren’t working. For now, though, I definitely think the team’s oldest wide receiver has the inside track to a starting spot.