Newly-crowded Eagles receiving corps limits Alshon Jeffery's fantasy value

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Here are the fantasy implications of the Philadelphia Eagles signing free agent WR Alshon Jeffery from the Chicago Bears:

After signing ex-49er Torrey Smith earlier on Thursday, Philadelphia continued to overhaul its receiving corps by adding Jeffery from the Bears. The two additions join WR Jordan Matthews and TE Zach Ertz to form a potent arsenal of pass catchers for second-year QB Carson Wentz.

Jeffery's biggest issue is staying on the field. In his five seasons in Chicago, Jeffery played 16 games just twice, in 2013 and 2014. The results were stellar, with per-campaign averages of 87 catches, 147.5 targets, 1,277 yards and 8.5 touchdowns.

Despite the presence of so many capable receivers, to say nothing of soon-to-be third-year players Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham, who combined for 72 catches last season, Jeffery should establish himself as the team's No.1 option, though he may struggle to hit the hit the heights of 2013 and 2014.

Now age 27, Jeffery has played in 21 games over his last two seasons, scoring six total touchdowns. In 2016, a four-game PED suspension capped off a disappointing year that saw Jeffery record a 52-821-2 receiving line through 12 games.

With Smith providing a vertical threat on the opposite side of the field, Matthews operating out of the slot, and Ertz a capable pass-catching tight end, Jeffery should certainly have plenty of room in which to operate, though it's doubtful that Wentz will need to force-feed passes to the former Bear.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Wentz wasn't prolific in his rookie campaign, throwing 16 touchdown passes in as many games, and averaging 236 passing yards per contest. It's fair to expect some improvement in his sophomore season, especially if Wentz can develop the same chemistry with Jeffery as he showed with Matthews and Ertz, each of whom had over 70 catches last season.

Fantasy Football Calculator pegs Jeffery's average draft position heading into 2017 fantasy drafts as 45th overall, and, more specifically, 19th at the WR position. Jeffery's fantasy stock has taken a hit in recent years, so if he can suit up for close to 16 games, he'll represent a bargain, especially since he'll be angling for another shot at a free agent payday in 2018.