Eagles expand WR room with Metchie trade

Sirianni discusses receiver competition after the first 2025 preseason game as the team adds John Metchie III

Eagles deepen WR room with John Metchie trade

The Eagles used their first 2025 preseason game against the Bengals to gauge their wide receiver depth. Head coach Nick Sirianni praised a young receiver known as Johnny, saying he did a lot for the offense last year in the rush attack and on special teams, and that he remains a tough player. Sirianni added that players take time to develop into pass catchers against the various coverages seen in the NFL, and he pointed to a back shoulder adjustment that led to a solid play as evidence of progress.

In a broader move to strengthen the position, Philadelphia then completed a trade to acquire John Metchie III, adding another young option to the WR group as it builds toward the regular season. Sirianni’s remarks frame a unit that values toughness, versatility, and continued development, a mix the team hopes will translate into more reliable production as coverages evolve. The Bengals game provided a test case for how receivers adapt to changing reads and looks, while the addition of Metchie signals a deliberate push to expand options beyond the current lineup.

Taken together, the exchange of notes about development and the addition of Metchie reflects a clear priority: depth that can contribute now and grow with the system as the season approaches.

The focus on one player’s development alongside a proactive roster move shows the Eagles are balancing immediate needs with long term growth. By highlighting Johnny’s toughness and his improvements on route techniques and blocking, the coaching staff signals that WR value goes beyond catches. Depth at the position matters more when teams face a crowded schedule and evolving defenses, and the Metchie trade gives Philadelphia a flexible tool who can move into multiple roles.

The decision to push for more WR depth while emphasizing development also tests the coaching staff’s ability to blend veterans and younger players into a coherent system. Competition in training camp and the preseason will reveal who can handle different coverage schemes, who contributes on special teams, and who meshes with the passing game’s timing. The next couple of exhibitions will be telling for the offense’s floor and ceiling this season.

Highlights

Depth is a process, not a moment, and the next game will test how quickly the room can gel.